KP CM Boosts Youth Loans and Tourism in Visionary Strategy

PESHAWAR — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi announced a significant expansion of the province’s youth and economic initiatives during the Young Leaders Convention at Nishtar Hall on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Amidst a backdrop of intense political friction with the federation, the CM prioritized youth empowerment and sustainable tourism as the twin engines for provincial growth.

Empowering the Next Generation

Chief Minister Afridi unveiled a major funding increase for the provincial interest-free youth loan scheme, designed to foster entrepreneurship in a challenging economic climate.

• Loan Expansion: The fund will be increased from Rs 3 billion to Rs 5 billion.
• Grant for Dialogue: A direct grant of Rs 2 million was announced for the Young Leaders Parliament to encourage civic engagement.
• Call to Action: Addressing the youth, Afridi urged them to “raise their voices as a living nation,” emphasizing that self-respect and the rule of law are non-negotiable for progress.

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Thandiani: Pakistan’s First ITZ

In a milestone for the hospitality sector, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee formally approved the concession agreement for the Integrated Tourism Zone (ITZ) in Thandiani.

• Economic Impact: The project carries a minimum revenue potential of Rs 23 billion.
• Scope: Spanning 400 kanals, the zone will feature 3 new hotels (263 keys), 14 tourism projects, shopping malls, and family-serviced apartments.
• Wider Vision: This is the fourth ITZ in KP, following projects in Ghanool (Mansehra), Mankyal (Swat), and Madaklasht (Chitral), totaling an investment of Rs 12.3 billion.

Political and Federal Friction

The CM used the platform to highlight the ongoing financial “strangulation” of the province by the federal government.

“The federal government currently owes Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rs 4.758 trillion. On one hand, we are denied our legitimate rights; on the other, the IMF reports corruption amounting to Rs 5.3 trillion at the federal level.” — CM Sohail Afridi

Core Grievances:

• FATA Merger: Afridi criticized the lack of financial integration for ex-FATA districts since 2018, calling it a constitutional violation.
• Political Victimization: The CM condemned the continued detention of Imran Khan, his wife, and the alleged mistreatment of his sisters outside Adiala Jail.
• Governance Contrast: He compared KP’s service delivery under PTI to what he described as “de facto civil martial law” in Punjab.

Upcoming Milestones

The CM has also hinted at a “Grand Jirga” regarding provincial rights before any potential march on Islamabad. 

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