PESHAWAR, Nov 7: The government was taking steps to make Peshawar a model city through beautification, said Provincial Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Inayatullah Khan.

He said that in that connection green Peshawar campaign would be started from February next year. Work on developing green belts in Peshawar was initiated, he added. The minister said that special attention was being given to improve the roads in Peshawar and surrounding areas to restore past glory of the historical city.

He expressed these views while discussing issues of Peshawar with members of Peshawar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Mr Khan said that bringing law and order situation to normalcy was the top priority of the government. He said that protection would be provided to investors.

The minister said that traders played the role of backbone in the development and prosperity of the country. The provincial government would provide them full opportunities to play their vital role in strengthening economy of the country, he added.

Administrator Rasheed Ahmad Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Zahidullah Shinwari were also present on the occasion.

The members of the chamber discussed with the minister traffic system, encroachments, receiving taxes and fares of public shops, wedding halls, parks, as well as cleanliness and sanitation of Peshawar city.

The minister said that old and rusted water pipes in 25 union councils of Peshawar were being replaced. For beautifying Peshawar and improving tax system, the minister directed the administrator to form different committee to facilitate people.

President Chamber of Commerce and Industry presented a shield to the minister in recognition of successful cleanliness drive in Peshawar. —Bureau Report