KP Highways Council approves budget, boosts operational grant

The 24th meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Highways Council was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi, where several key decisions were taken to improve infrastructure and governance

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Apr, 2026) The 24th meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Highways Council was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi, where several key decisions were taken to improve infrastructure and governance.

The meeting approved the budget and annual maintenance plan of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Highways Authority, along with an increase in the annual operational grant from Rs 30 million to Rs 40 million.

It was decided to allocate additional funds and include major highways projects in the upcoming provincial budget to enhance road infrastructure across the province.

The council also approved a 20 percent increase in seats under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Internship Program, raising the number from 5,000 to 6,000.

To facilitate business activities, the meeting directed the abolition of Right of Way charges and emphasized measures to promote ease of doing business.

Amendments to Service Regulations 2019 were approved, including provisions for retirement and death compensation for employees.

The Council made principled decision to enhance the financial assistance package for heirs in case of death under the Sehat Card scheme.

The meeting further directed the conduct of a feasibility study for the provincialization of the Gul Abad to Sarbala Road in Lower Dir.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that effective utilization of resources would be ensured to promote public welfare and prosperity across the province.