Pakistan’s federal government has postponed a decision regarding the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s offer of Rs 4 billion in bridge financing for the long-pending Peshawar Northern Bypass project. The project, aimed at completing the ring road around Peshawar, has faced delays for 17 years due to funding issues.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had proposed the bridge financing to ensure the project’s completion by June 30. However, the Centre has indicated that the 30-km road project will likely not meet this year’s deadline.
KP finance minister Muzzammil Aslam mentioned that despite efforts to secure financing and approval from the chief minister, the project faces delays. The federal government has suggested a potential completion date of September instead of June for the Northern Bypass project.
Aslam expressed disappointment at the Centre’s handling of the situation, emphasizing the province’s commitment to timely project completion. The cost of the project has escalated from Rs 3 billion to Rs 27 billion over the years due to insufficient fund releases.
