M. Irshad Ullah
PESHAWAR: Special Advisor to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government on Sustainable and Inclusive Development, Mr. Mohammad Asim, hosted a consultative meeting with members of the Sustainable Conservation Network (SCN) and partner civil society organizations (CSOs), led by Dr. Ali Jan.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, focused on environmental sustainability, biodiversity protection, and inclusive urban planning. Mr. Asim shared his vision for establishing the Peshawar Biodiversity and Afforestation Authority, with clear byelaws and both short- and long-term goals aimed at the comprehensive afforestation of the Peshawar valley, including the surrounding Khyber, Besai, Cherat, and Mohmand hills. He emphasized the importance of expert consultation and expressed interest in previous studies such as the “Tree Census of Peshawar District.”
Participants raised concerns over proposed Adventure Parks in Bagh-e-Naraan and Shalman Park by the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA). They argued that turning existing biodiversity parks described as the “lungs of Hayatabad into commercial ventures would damage the environment and biodiversity. The CSOs proposed relocating such parks to the large public space in Sector E-4, Phase 7, identified in the PDA Master Plan.
Responding to these concerns, Mr. Asim assured the delegation that the KP government would not allow the construction of adventure parks at the cost of environmental sustainability. He stressed the need for broad-based consultations with environmental experts, urban planners, and community stakeholders to review the Hayatabad Master Plan in light of climate change and urban heat island effects.
The advisor highlighted the role of indigenous trees in mitigating urban temperatures and improving air quality, urging the replacement of exotic species with native, environment-friendly ones. He also called for mechanisms to control toxic emissions and promote sustainable development practices.
Mr. Asim reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in KP and encouraged CSOs to submit concept papers and development proposals aligned with these objectives. He also proposed a series of follow-up thematic meetings focusing on inclusive infrastructure, afforestation, traffic management, and climate resilience strategies for the city.
During the meeting, Mr. Asim also requested documentation prepared under the “Peshawar Revival Plan” for the proposed Peshawar Walled City Authority. He acknowledged the urgent need to preserve the city’s heritage and cultural landmarks, many of which are at risk due to inadequate institutional capacity.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to environmental protection, community engagement, and sustainable urban development. The participation of SCN and other CSOs added valuable insights to the dialogue, marking a collaborative step forward for a greener and more resilient Peshawar.
