PESHAWAR: Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) has approved proposals about uplift of its various properties on public-private partnership basis.

The proposals were approved during 10th PDA board meeting held here with Chief Minister Mahmood Khan in the chair, according to a statement issued here on Monday. It said that the PDA officials were directed to chalk out an annual calendar for auction of properties.

“In order to create a conducive environment for private investment and implement the development initiatives in an efficient and sustainable manner, the board formally approved the proposals regarding development of various PDA properties on public-private partnership basis,” said the statement.

It said that the board approved during the meeting the proposed amendments to PDA Auction Regulation, 2021. The amendments would enhance the existing lease period for various PDA properties including shops, open spaces, halls, commercial units, flats, parking lots, restaurants, cafes, sasta bazaars, wedding halls and filling stations etc.

The chief minister directed the PDA officials to streamline its affairs in accordance with contemporary needs. He said that government was working for the empowerment of autonomous institutions to minimise their fiscal dependence on the provincial government.

The meeting also approved the revised budget estimates for 2021-22 and 2022-23 for PDA besides the revised logo of New Peshawar Valley, which is in coherence with public sector housing schemes.

The board also accorded approval regarding adoption of the revised pay scale and allowances already notified by the provincial government for the PDA employees. The authority handed over a cheque of Rs7.5 million to the chief minister. The amount has been raised by the PDA employees for Chief Minister’s Flood Relief Fund.

Provincial ministers Taimur Saleem Jhagra and Faisal Amin Gandapur, PMA Peer Fida, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Amjad Ali Khan, Local Government Secretary Zaheerul Islam, PDA Director General Fayaz Ali Shah and other members of the board attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2022