- New KPIs mirror DC framework for strict urban monitoring and warnings to be issued over open manholes, garbage, encroachments
- February–May deadline set for Beautification Plan Phase I as major cities to get fountains, water features, coloured tiles
- Punjab CM vows province-wide transformation of bazaars, markets and historic sites
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday approved new Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Assistant Commissioners—mirroring those already enforced for Deputy Commissioners—to ensure strict monitoring of urban management and beautification across the province.
Under the new KPIs, action will be taken against officials for open manholes, broken roads, garbage dumps, damaged green belts, deteriorated paintwork and encroachments, which will trigger immediate warnings for the respective Assistant Commissioners.
Presiding over a high-level meeting, CM Maryam Nawaz reviewed detailed presentations and visual progress reports for beautification plans of every district, tehsil and city. She set February to May as the deadline for completion of Beautification Plan Phase I.
The authorities concerned briefed her about major directives and features of the ‘Beautification Plan,’ including the installation of water features, fountains, and artificial waterfalls in all major cities. They further briefed her about the plantation of fast-growing trees, enhanced greenery, and the development of attractive central green belts in major bazaars.
They apprised her that traditional grey footpath tiles have been replaced with aesthetic, coloured tiles. They briefed her about the establishment of a digital dashboard to monitor beautification progress, with daily updates.
Officials briefed the chief minister that 132 beautification schemes worth Rs16.9 billion are being executed across 39 districts of Punjab. They added that 97 work orders have been issued and 88 projects are currently under implementation, which also include beautification and restoration of historic city gates. Authorities concerned briefed her that 18 beautification projects in Lahore, 06 in Sargodha, 16 in Bahawalpur and 12 in Gujranwala will be launched at the earliest.
They added that 17 beautification projects in Rawalpindi, 13 in Faisalabad, 08 in Multan and 24 in Sahiwal will be completed. They further briefed her that work is progressing rapidly in 33 districts, with fiber-glass and tensile covers to be installed in major markets across Punjab.
Authorities concerned briefed her that 06 beautification projects of Rahim Yar Khan will be completed by 31 March. They added that the deadline for completion of 05 beautification projects in Bahawalnagar, Fort Abbas, Minchinabad and Chishtian has been set as 30 January, while beautification projects in Toba Tek Singh, Kamalia and Gojra will be completed by Feb 3.
They added that a task for completion of beautification projects in Jhang, Shorkot, and 18-Hazari has been set for April 30, while 03 beautification schemes in Narowal, Shakargarh, and Zafarwal will be completed by May 31. Officials briefed her that the upgradation work of Sialkot (Iqbal Manzil Bazaar & adjoining streets) will be completed by May 31. They added that 04 beautification projects worth Rs397 million in Jhelum, Dina, Sohawa and Pind Dadan Khan will be completed. Officials briefed her that in Bahawalpur, restoration work will highlight historic Baba Farid Gate and Al-Sadiq Mosque with traditional wooden balconies to be installed.
The Punjab CM directed a complete redesign of the Minchinabad and Chishtian beautification plans. She set a three-day deadline for submission of the Gujarat uplift plan. Officials briefed her about comprehensive beautification of Gujranwala city along with modern remodeling of Rawalpindi’s Raja Bazaar and commercial market. They added that two beautification schemes in Stock and Hassan Abdal will be completed.
CM Maryam Nawaz directed ensuring the renaming and beautifying Chakwal’s historic Chhapar Bazaar by March 30. Officials apprised her that Chiniot’s traditional furniture market with a modern design will be upgraded. They briefed her about clearing encroachments and upgrading the 121-year-old Faisalabad Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) and its eight bazaars.
The chief minister emphasized that the beautification campaign will continue until every district, city and town is completely transformed. She said that not just one bazaar, every corner of every city must be spick and span and aesthetically pleasing, adding that public convenience must remain top priority during all upgradation works.
She reiterated that the historic cities and markets of Punjab will be restored to their cultural glory while adopting modern design standards.
CM Grieves At Death of Three Laborers in Murree
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic death of three laborers who were buried under a landslide in Murree. She extended her heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families. She also sought a detailed report from the administration about the unfortunate incident.
