KP Housing Advisor Calls for Green Spaces, Sports Facilities in New Developments

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PESHAWAR – In a forward-looking move aimed at improving livability and civic well-being, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) for Housing, Dr. Amjad Ali, has directed the Provincial Housing Authority (PHA) to prioritise plantation and sports amenities in all current and upcoming housing schemes. Chairing a strategic meeting with Parliamentary Secretary for Housing, MPA Ali Shah, at the Civil Secretariat in Peshawar, Dr. Ali underscored the importance of incorporating community-centred infrastructure in housing projects, including green belts and recreational areas for youth.

The meeting, which brought together key officials such as the Director General of the PHA, Deputy Director General, and Director Admin, served as a review of the department’s performance and future agenda. Officials provided a comprehensive briefing on completed projects, ongoing developments, and proposed housing initiatives. They highlighted the department’s commitment to addressing the province’s growing residential needs while also enhancing public facilities. Dr. Ali took note of the achievements so far but stressed the need for improved planning and long-term urban sustainability.

A standout directive from the session was the emphasis on integrating environmental elements into urban planning. Dr. Ali insisted that tree plantation must be mandatory in every new housing colony, not only to beautify surroundings but also to counteract rising air pollution and urban heat. He further instructed that playgrounds and sports facilities be factored into initial designs, especially in areas with high population density, to foster healthier lifestyles and positive youth engagement. “Housing is not just about concrete structures. It must support community well-being and a connection with nature,” he noted.

This development signals a welcome shift from the outdated model of sprawling, infrastructure-deficient neighborhoods to a more responsible and citizen-focused approach. With rising concerns about youth inactivity and environmental neglect, KP’s housing initiatives are being reshaped to provide long-term social and ecological benefits. If executed properly, the inclusion of public green spaces and sports infrastructure could set a new standard for provincial development. Dr. Amjad Ali’s directive may be a small step in paperwork today, but it has the potential to become a model of modern, sustainable urban living in the months and years to come.