‘One Punjab, One Standard’ approved as CM Maryam unveils push on urban design

• Punjab CM okays province-wide infrastructure and design standardization, plans autonomous standardisation authority, dedicated design unit

• Approve uniform designs for roads, footpaths, kiosks and public buildings

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the adoption of the “One Punjab, One Standard” policy, marking the first-ever decision to introduce province-wide standardisation in infrastructure and urban design, according to a DGPR handout.

Chairing a special meeting, the chief minister reviewed the proposal to establish an autonomous authority for standardisation and urban design. An in-principle decision was taken to create a dedicated standardisation and design unit to steer the initiative, a statement issued from the CM’s Office (CMO) said.

She directed the preparation of a comprehensive standardised design manual, while the meeting also discussed fixing uniform designs for roadside kiosks and small shop cabins.

It was decided that uniform standards would be implemented across the province for roads, green belts, signboards and footpaths. Officials briefed the meeting on infrastructure standardisation plans, stating that standard designs would be introduced for schools, hospitals, bus stops and other public buildings.

CM Maryam Nawaz said the government’s objective is to make every city in Punjab attractive and aesthetically pleasing, noting that uniform designs for infrastructure and road furniture enhance both the visual appeal and distinct identity of urban centres.

A day earlier, the chief minister said Punjab has become the first province to establish the Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre (PIFTAC). She visited the centre and received a detailed briefing on its operations and the overall law and order situation.

During the briefing, it was decided—for the first time—to establish an anti-drone unit in Punjab, which received the chief minister’s approval. She also directed the immediate establishment of a cybercrime cell in the province.

The chief minister ordered continuous combing operations across Punjab to ensure the protection of life and property, and instructed authorities to take immediate steps for installing state-of-the-art special digital scanners at all entry and exit points of the province.

A special dashboard has also been set up for deputy commissioners of all districts to ensure effective monitoring and protection of citizens’ lives and property. The chief minister further directed that the whistleblower system be strengthened to curb terrorism and criminal activities.