In a decisive move to fast-track progress across the province, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has issued strict directives to ensure the timely completion of all major development initiatives. Chairing a high-level review meeting lasting over three hours, the CM emphasized building a modern, strong, and beautiful Punjab, with a strong focus on transparency and public convenience.
Major Push for Urban and Rural Infrastructure
The meeting covered a wide array of projects, including the Punjab Development Program, Lahore Development Program, Model Villages, and the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA). Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif made it clear that every project must be finished within its stipulated timeframe. To guarantee accountability, a live dashboard will be set up for real-time monitoring, with the CM committing to daily personal oversight.
Significant progress was noted on the Model Village Project, a flagship initiative launched by the Chief Minister. Development work is currently advancing rapidly in 224 villages. The first phase aims to upgrade a total of 469 villages across Punjab with essential amenities like improved water supply, drainage, children's parks, footpaths, and streetlights.
Housing, Roads, and Public Amenities Get Top Priority
In a major relief for homeless citizens, the Chief Minister ordered the immediate release of the second installment under the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” project. She also directed the issuance of allotment letters for the “Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar” scheme. Officials briefed that under the housing project, loans worth Rs155 billion have been issued to 121,477 beneficiaries, leading to the completion of 65,000 homes, with construction progressing at a rate of 700 houses daily.
On infrastructure, the CM was informed that repair, rehabilitation, and reconstruction projects worth a massive Rs204 billion will begin in 52 cities by February 22. Furthermore, under the road rehabilitation program, 1,529 projects will lead to the construction and repair of 4,031 kilometers of roads across the province.
Focus on Clean Water, Sewerage, and Public Safety
Addressing critical utilities, the Chief Minister termed public complaints about water filtration plants as regrettable. She directed the priority installation of these plants in areas with contaminated water, targeting completion of construction and rehabilitation by June 30. Residents of DG Khan, Khushab, Rahim Yar Khan, and Bahawalpur were assured they would soon receive bottled water at their doorsteps.
For lasting infrastructure, the CM mandated the use of HOPE sewerage pipes with a 100-year guarantee. In a key decision for public safety, she directed that future sewerage lines be laid in green belts instead of under roads, with manholes placed along the edges to minimize travel disruption. The first phase of the Lahore Development Project is complete, with the second phase slated for finalization by April 30.
Expressing strong displeasure over roads left open after excavation, the CM ordered immediate completion of all sewerage and repair work on roads and apologized to citizens for the inconvenience. She also instructed that the completion date of every project be displayed on public signboards.
Other directives included the early desilting of the Lahore Canal, immediate drainage of rainwater post-rainfall, proper lane markings on roads, and the installation of aesthetic turf tiles along roadsides. The meeting also decided to expand the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), now established in 21 districts, across the entire province.
