Consultative ‘KPEC Development Plan’ workshop held in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has wrapped up two days of intensive consultations in Peshawar to draft a comprehensive vision for the Khyber Pass Economic Corridor (KPEC) Development Plan.

The workshop was attended by a diverse range of stakeholders including district administrations, government officials, and representatives from national and provincial entities. The consultations carried out over two days highlighted the crucial role of collaboration in regional development.

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KPEC, a vital component of the Central Asia Regional and Economic Connectivity initiative, aims to bolster mutual trade among member countries by enhancing road infrastructure.

The KPEC initiative seeks to unlock untapped markets, providing Peshawar, Kabul, and Dushanbe with the opportunity to realise their full economic potential through enhanced cross-regional trade. This will be achieved by constructing the four-lane Peshawar-Torkham expressway (PTEX) alongside a comprehensive economic development programme. Such efforts aim to not only diversify trade but also to uplift communities, improve livelihoods, and foster greater regional integration.

Led by the National Engineering Services of Pakistan (NESPAK), the consultative workshop provided a platform for robust discussions on the challenges and opportunities associated with the corridor. Project Director Imran Zahoor Khan stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping a development agenda that aligns with regional priorities.

In his welcome address, Imran Zahoor said, “In the context of the Khyber Pass Economic Corridor, the consultative process serves as a cornerstone for building ownership, fostering transparency, and ensuring that the development agenda reflects the aspirations and priorities of all stakeholders”.

Through interactive sessions and group discussions, the workshop offered participants the opportunity to delve into various aspects of corridor development plan, including infrastructure, trade, and tourism including medical tourism, technical education and community empowerment across different sectors.

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Participants voiced concerns and proposed measures to optimise the local workforce, improve infrastructure, and promote private sector involvement for inclusive development.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Peshawar lauded the consultative process for bridging the gap between policymakers and stakeholders. Looking ahead, the KPEC Development Plan aims to unlock economic potential, create jobs, and enhance living standards while fostering regional stability and prosperity.