The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved plans to provide electric scooters to working women and female students. The proposal was discussed alongside transport, tourism, sports and social welfare projects under ADP 2026-27.
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to introduce a scheme under which electric scooters will be provided to working women and female students across the province as part of efforts to promote environment-friendly transport and women’s empowerment.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Planning and Development Department chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi. The meeting reviewed new projects proposed under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2026-27 in sectors including social welfare, sports, tourism, relief and transport.
During the meeting, the government also considered proposals to expand the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit system to Charsadda, Nowshera and Khyber districts. Other transport proposals discussed included the purchase of double-decker electric buses for tourism promotion and additional electric buses for the BRT fleet.
The chief minister directed officials to establish rescue stations in all tehsils of the province to improve timely emergency response. He also asked them to examine the possibility of setting up an electric bike and scooter manufacturing industry in the province in view of the promotion of modern technology and eco-friendly transport.
The meeting was also told that work on the province’s Socio-Economic Registry is under way. The chief minister directed that the registry should be completed by December so that deserving individuals can be identified accurately for transparent delivery of welfare programmes.
Social welfare proposals reviewed
In the social welfare sector, proposals were presented for setting up new centres under the Zamong Kor programme, establishing new educational institutions for children with speech and hearing impairments, and upgrading existing institutions.
The meeting also reviewed proposals for the upgradation of existing Dar-ul-Amans, establishment of new shelter homes, conversion of artificial limbs workshops into bionic limbs facilities, provision of monthly stipends and scholarships for special children, and creation of modern educational complexes for them.
Sports, tourism and transport plans
For sports promotion, the proposals included construction of grounds at tehsil level in Hazara and Malakand divisions, establishment of sports complexes in Battagram and Upper Dir, indoor games facilities for women, and youth centres.
In the tourism sector, discussions covered the identification of new tourist destinations, restoration of archaeological sites and historic railway stations, and promotion of adventure tourism. The chief minister also stressed the need to consider launching heli-tourism to further support the tourism sector.
Transport-related proposals discussed at the meeting included starting a Kohat to Kharlachi rail service and launching a suburban train service, in addition to the electric bus proposals linked to tourism and the BRT system.
