Swabi, 17 April 2025 – A high-level training workshop was held in Swabi to build the capacity of government officials and stakeholders to implement the District Land Use Plan and formulate a City Strategic Management Plan (CSMP). The event, supported by the UK-funded Sub-National Governance (SNG) Programme, marks another milestone in the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s efforts to promote sustainable and planned urban development.
The workshop brought together officials from over 20 departments and organizations, including the district administration, tehsil councils, provincial departments, development authorities, academia, civil society, and private sector representatives.
Dr. Shaker Mahmood Mayo, Chairman of the Department of City and Regional Planning at UET Lahore, led the training as the technical expert. He guided participants through the steps involved in drafting and implementing CSMPs, as well as aligning these plans with the existing District Land Use Plan approved for Swabi.
Dr. Vaqar Ahmed, Senior Governance Advisor, SNG programme informed that unchecked urbanisation is straining infrastructure and posing environmental risks. Implementing land use and City Strategic Plans is crucial to manage growth, attract private investment, and diversify the local economy.
This initiative is part of KP’s broader urban reform agenda, supported by the Oxford Policy Management’s (OPM) SNG Programme, aimed at improving institutional capacity, enabling evidence-based planning, and fostering inclusive, climate-resilient urban growth.
The SNG Programme continues to work closely with the Urban Policy & Planning Unit of the P&DD to support implementation of key land use reforms across the province.
