Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a major rural development initiative under which each selected village will receive Rs. 50 million for infrastructure improvement.
The initiative, known as the Khushhal Dehat Programme, will initially cover 475 villages across Punjab, with a total allocation of Rs. 23.85 billion for the first phase.
The provincial government plans to use the development funds to improve village roads, construct paved streets, and upgrade sewerage facilities.
The programme aims to address basic infrastructure problems in rural communities and improve living conditions for residents.
Maryam Nawaz has directed the relevant authorities to begin preparations for implementing the approved projects and ensure that development activities are carried out according to the proposed plan.
The first phase will focus on 475 villages selected for infrastructure improvements. Each village is expected to receive a development allocation of Rs. 50 million.
The provincial government also plans to establish dedicated Khushhal Dehat Committees to supervise the implementation of projects at the local level.
These committees will be headed by the relevant Additional Deputy Commissioner (Social Services) and will include five government officials and four private members.
The concerned Union Council chairman and a sub-engineer will also participate in the committee structure to support coordination and technical oversight.
The committees will monitor development activities and help ensure that allocated funds are used for their intended purposes.
The chief minister has instructed the concerned departments to release the first instalment of development grants by November so that work can begin in the selected villages.
Alongside the first phase, Maryam Nawaz has directed officials to prepare a development proposal covering another 2,000 villages for the programme’s second phase.
The additional villages are expected to benefit from similar infrastructure improvements, although the government has yet to provide complete details about the second phase’s budget and implementation schedule.
The programme places particular emphasis on paved streets and improved sewerage systems, which remain important infrastructure needs in many rural areas.
Better streets can improve local transportation and access to essential services, while improved drainage and sewerage facilities can help address sanitation problems.
The chief minister has also stressed that development resources should benefit communities without discrimination based on political affiliation.
The latest initiative follows the provincial government’s earlier announcement on October 20, 2026, regarding plans to develop 120 model villages under a separate pilot initiative.
The government has also discussed introducing the Khushhal Dehat Act 2026 as part of its broader rural development strategy.
Through the new programme, the Punjab government intends to extend basic infrastructure improvements beyond major cities and improve public facilities in smaller communities.
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The success of the initiative will depend on timely funding, transparent project monitoring, and the completion of development work across the selected villages.
