The Abbottabad Bench of the Peshawar High Court today admitted a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the governance, financial management, and implementation of Phase II of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities Improvement Project (KPCIP), a major foreign-funded urban development initiative.
A division bench comprising Justice Faheem Wali and Justice Aurangzeb issued notices to the provincial and federal governments, KPCIP, and other respondents, directing them to submit para-wise comments.
The petition alleges prolonged administrative lapses, including the absence of a full-time Project Director for more than a year, repeated appointments on an additional-charge basis, abandoned recruitment processes for key management positions, governance failures, financial irregularities, and delays in project implementation.
It also questions project planning in Abbottabad, particularly the increased spending on the Sherwan National Park infrastructure project while the city’s drainage issues remain unresolved. The petition further highlights delays in the Solid Waste Management component, warning that slow implementation could expose the province to additional financial liabilities through commitment charges on unused international loans.
The petitioners have asked the court to ensure transparent governance, merit-based appointments, stronger financial oversight, and effective project management. The case will proceed after the respondents submit their replies.