Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a comprehensive initiative to transform the overall appearance of the province’s cities. The plan focuses on improving the “first impression” of all urban areas.
The chief minister chaired a high-level meeting to review the Punjab and Lahore Development Plan. She instructed officials to develop entry and exit points of cities as visually appealing gateways. Maryam Nawaz also directed that every development project be geo-tagged, with city beautification personally monitored by her office.
Authorities were asked to create mini parks and play areas under overhead bridges. Roads must be fully reconstructed after excavation for sewerage or drainage projects to prevent dust and debris. Maryam Nawaz emphasized that citizens should no longer face inconvenience from ongoing development work.
Deputy commissioners were instructed to cover all open manholes and ensure geo-tagging of every project. Officials reported that Phase One of the Development Plan is complete, while Phase Two is in progress. To strengthen oversight, control rooms and management cells will be established in each DC office to monitor Punjab Development Projects (PDP). Transparency in Phase One reportedly resulted in savings of Rs 280 million.
Currently, development schemes worth Rs 23.4 billion are underway in seven cities. Sewerage, drainage, and water storage projects are ongoing in Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan, Gujrat, and Jhang. Trunk sewerage systems, new disposal stations, and rainwater drainage projects are being developed in Jhelum, Hafizabad, and Okara.
A total of 526 machinery units will support sewerage and drainage works. Phase Two will expand similar infrastructure projects to eight more cities. Maryam Nawaz stressed that excavation sites must be properly fenced and manhole levels must match road surfaces to prevent accidents. Footpaths and roadside tiles must follow uniform designs and colors across Punjab.
The chief minister also ordered green belts, walking tracks, and single utility corridors to avoid repeated digging. Streetlights will be installed in all tehsils, and electricity poles placed at road edges. Modern, durable manhole covers will be introduced, along with benches, open-air gyms, entertainment centers, and small food courts.
Audits of fire safety systems in public and private buildings were also ordered. Deputy commissioners from Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar, Vehari, Wazirabad, Sheikhupura, and Kasur presented progress briefings on the Punjab Development Project.
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This initiative by Maryam Nawaz aims to improve infrastructure, urban management, and overall livability across Punjab’s cities, reflecting the government’s commitment to citizen welfare.
