KPEC Launches Occupational Health and Safety Training Program for Businesses in Western Greater Peshawar
The Khyber Pass Economic Corridor (KPEC) Project, under the Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) of the Planning & Development Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and funded by the World Bank, formally launched its Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Training Program for businesses operating across Western Greater Peshawar (WGP). The inaugural event was held today in Peshawar, bringing together representatives from the Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations of Peshawar and Khyber, along with officials from relevant provincial bodies.
The event opened with a welcome note, expressing gratitude to business leaders for their participation and longstanding support. Participants were briefed on the background of KPEC and the rationale for introducing the OHS Capacity Building Program. It was highlighted that Occupational Health and Safety has historically remained a low priority in both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa overall and WGP in particular.
A recent Post-Training Assessment conducted under KPEC’s Enterprise Skill Development Program for 10 prioritized business clusters revealed significantly low levels of OHS awareness and compliance among enterprises in the region. These findings underscored the urgent need to invest in structured OHS training and capacity building for businesses, workers, and industry associations.
To deliver this initiative, KPEC is partnering with Rescue 1122, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s premier emergency response service, which has designed and will now lead the implementation of the training modules.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Imran Zahoor, Project Director, KPEC, emphasized the economic and human value of strong OHS practices. “A healthier and satisfied employee can be more productive, generating better profits for the private sector as compared to a sick, unsatisfied one,” he noted. He appreciated the engagement of the attending associations and chambers and encouraged them to utilize this program to create OHS awareness within their respective sectors.
The OHS Training Program aims to strengthen workplace safety standards, reduce occupational hazards, and support a more productive and resilient business environment in Western Greater Peshawar.
