PESHAWAR    -   Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan has formally ap­proved three new projects to be im­plemented under the Peshawar Up­lift Programme Phase-II in addition to directing the district adminis­tration to launch a grand and strict crackdown against professional beggars throughout the province.

Chairing a meeting regarding Pe­shawar Uplift Programme Phase-II, the chief minister directed the con­cerned high-ups to ensure timely completion of the Hayatabad trail and other ongoing schemes un­der the scheme. He further direct­ed them to have a proper main­tenance and management plan to make these initiatives worthwhile and sustainable.

The chief minister directed the district administration to take prag­matic steps to discourage and root out professional beggary which has become a nuisance not only for lo­cals but also for people visiting the provincial capital. Provincial Minis­ter for Finance & Health Taimur Jha­gra, Minister for Local Government Faisal Amin Gandapur, MPA Pir Fida, Additional Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, and other concerned of­ficers attended the meeting.

While briefing the chief minis­ter about the progress on the on­going projects under the Peshawar Uplift Programme, it was informed that the designing and planning of 20 various schemes have been com­pleted and approved whereas ten­ders of these schemes would also be floated soon.

According to details, 6 Km long Hayatabad trail would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 803 mil­lion which would have state-of-the-art recreational facilities including jogging & cycle tracks, green belts, public toilets, tuck shops, kid zone, sit-outs, open gym, amphitheatre, badminton & basketball courts, li­brary, ladies gym, skating area etc. It would be a unique trail of its kind having four entry points at differ­ent sites connecting all the phases of Hayatabad.

Other projects under the pro­gramme include Iqra Chowk (Is­land-1), Pak Avenue on University Road, Park Avenue from University Town to Teegah Chowk, Park Avenue (road from town entrance till Iranian Consulate), beautification of Palosai Road intersection, beautification of Palosai Road from University Road to Peshawar Zoo, uplifting of Uni­versity Road from KTH to University Model College and establishment of park/playgrounds at Umar Gul road.

Similarly, conservation and pres­ervation of Agriculture Training In­stitute, Mahafiz Khana and Govern­ment Hasnain Shaheed School No 1 would also be carried out through the Archaeology Department. Be­sides newly identified schemes to be executed in the second phase in­clude rehabilitation & uplifting of Kabali Gate to Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Qissa Khwani Bazaar to Chowk Yad­gar to Ghanta Ghar, Andar Shehar Bazaar, Road from University Model College to Karkhano Market and es­tablishment of Parking Plaza in Khy­ber Teaching Hospital.

The chief minister on the occa­sion also directed for the uplifting of Scheme Chowk, Bacha Khan Chowk, Charsadda Road, entry points of Shahi Bagh and uplifting of all entry points to Peshawar