Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to accelerate work under the Rs305 billion Punjab Development Plan and ensure full preparedness before the monsoon season, while reviewing large-scale development projects across 52 cities in the province.
According to details, a key meeting chaired by the chief minister reviewed progress on ongoing projects throughout the province. Officials briefed that under the plan, beautification and upgradation work is underway in 52 cities, with around 40% of the most critical work already completed in 51 cities. The chief minister remarked, “We are delivering on our promises; the wheel of development in Punjab will not stop.”
Regarding the Lahore Development Plan, it was shared that the first phase has been completed, the second phase is 76% complete and will be finalised by the end of June, while planning for the third phase has also been initiated. For the first time in the city’s history, 16,410 streets are being upgraded and beautified, with work ongoing on an average of 60 streets daily.
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The chief minister was informed that drainage projects are also progressing rapidly in various cities. About 70% of key work has been completed in Kamalia, 65% in Gojra, and 55% in Toba Tek Singh and Chichawatni. Similarly, 44% of drainage work has been completed in Jauharabad and Jalalpur Jattan.
The meeting was told that procurement of modern machinery worth Rs6.6 billion has begun, including suction, jetting, dewatering, and desilting equipment. These facilities will be provided to all 52 cities by the end of June to ensure preparedness ahead of the monsoon.
In view of the expected early monsoon, Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed all departments to complete preventive measures in advance, warning that strict action would be taken in case of negligence. She also stressed strict implementation of safety protocols.
Expressing satisfaction over the upgradation of various areas in Lahore, particularly Ichhra Bazaar, the chief minister said the historic market could have been ruined if neglected, and announced she would personally inaugurate it upon completion.
In a video link meeting with deputy commissioners, she made it clear that the “era of eyewash is over” and officials must now deliver results. She directed all districts to identify development gaps and move forward with comprehensive planning.
The chief minister also ordered immediate repair of service roads, provision of clean drinking water, beautification, and strict monitoring of rural development programs, emphasising that projects must be completed on time without causing inconvenience to the public.
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