Stakeholders gathered to collaborate and settle on the Khyber Pass Economic Corridor (KPEC) and the Urban Transformation of Jamrud and Landi Kota
The Planning & Development Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, through the KPEC Project, hosted a high-level Stakeholder Consultative Workshop today in Peshawar to present and deliberate on the Khyber Pass Economic Corridor (KPEC) Development Plan and the Urban Centre Master Plans for Jamrud and Landi Kotal.
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from local communities, government institutions, the private sector, academia, civil society, and development partners. The workshop aimed to ensure an inclusive and participatory planning process by imploring valuable feedback and insights from stakeholders on both development and urban centers' master plans.
In his welcome address, the Additional Secretary of Planning & Development, Mr. Muhammad Toufeeq, emphasized the strategic importance of the KPEC initiative as a flagship regional connectivity and economic development project under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, supported by the World Bank. He encouraged and reiterated that today’s workshop is not just a formality; the participants shall open up and contribute as much as possible because the participatory planning process is a cornerstone of our development approach.
Later, the workshop provided updates on the development process informed by in-depth spatial, economic, and environmental assessments conducted by NESPAK under the KPEC Development Plan. Discussions highlighted actionable strategies to address constraints to growth, promote local employment, and unlock the region's potential as a trade and logistics hub connecting with the rest of South and Central Asia. The workshop also included detailed consultations on the Urban Centre Master Plans for Jamrud and Landikotal, located in the Khyber District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and lying on the Corridor Area. These master plans are designed to revitalize urban infrastructure, enhance municipal service delivery, and promote spatial planning that supports inclusive economic development of the corridor area, benefiting from the investments under the Development Plan. The participants appreciated the open and consultative approach and provided constructive suggestions on project alignment with local needs and sustainable development priorities.
The workshop concluded with a commitment to continued stakeholder engagement, as the project moves towards final approval of the KPEC Development Plan and Master Plans for the Urban Centers from the Project Steering Committee (PSC).
