Punjab pursuing province-wide uplift with Rs517b projects: Azma

• Information Minister says development under way in over 67 cities with focus on small towns, rural areas

• Says 2.5m Nigehban Ramazan cards distributed, over 2.1m beneficiaries withdraw aid

• Claims Rs13b saved through transparent e-tendering in development schemes

• Over 6,000km sewerage lines, 189km drains, 83 disposal stations planned

 LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari said on Saturday that development would soon be visible in every corner of Punjab as the provincial government was prioritising the uplift of small cities and rural areas, with projects worth Rs517 billion currently underway in more than 67 cities under the Punjab Development Programme (PDM).

“Under the Nigehban Ramadan Programme, more than 2.5 million cards have been distributed so far, while over 2.1 million beneficiaries have already withdrawn financial assistance,” the information minister said while addressing a press conference at DGPR Lahore along with Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique.

She warned that the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) would take strict action against hoarding and artificial price hikes, adding that foolproof security arrangements had been put in place for Youm-e-Ali (RA), as well as for mosques and Imambargahs across the province.

Azma Bokhari said the governance model of Punjab Chief Minister was not limited to a few cities or roads but aimed to ensure uniform development across the entire province.

She said the chief minister’s vision was that development should be visible in every city, town and village. Under this vision, projects are underway to transform rural areas into model villages, which would significantly improve the quality of life of rural communities.

Inviting people to visit these villages and witness the transformation themselves, she said such development was something citizens had not even imagined during the past 78 years.

The minister said the Punjab government had launched large-scale initiatives to provide relief to the public during the holy month of Ramadan, adding that welfare projects were progressing rapidly across the province.

Under the Nigehban Ramadan Card Programme, 2,503,897 cards have been distributed so far, while more than 2.1 million beneficiaries have withdrawn funds through these cards, she said.

Azma Bokhari further stated that from 1st Ramadan to March 1, official Iftar arrangements were made at 422 locations across the province, benefiting thousands of people. Similarly, 1,763 stalls have been set up in Ramadan Nigehban Bazaars to facilitate citizens.

She said the Punjab government was giving special attention to the development of smaller cities and rural areas to significantly improve the quality of life of residents.

Under the Punjab Development Programme, projects worth Rs517 billion are underway in more than 67 cities, while Rs13 billion has been saved through transparent e-tendering, she added.

The minister said the programme included the laying of more than 6,000 kilometres of sewerage lines and the construction of 189 kilometres of durable water drains. In addition, 83 disposal stations and nine underground water storage tanks would be constructed.

She reiterated that transparent tendering in development projects had resulted in Rs13 billion in savings for the government.

Relevant departments, including Housing, WASA and Local Government, were actively working to address potential issues before the monsoon season, while the PDMA was also being reorganised to better deal with flood situations, she said.

Responding to a question about petroleum prices, Azma Bokhari said the increase in fuel prices was due to global circumstances, particularly tensions involving Israel, the United States and Iran.

However, she said the government had reduced the petroleum levy to provide relief to the public and that prices would be reduced further once conditions improved.

She warned that strict action would be taken against anyone involved in hoarding or artificial price hikes.

Regarding the local government system, the minister said the government had completed its work and handed the matter over to the Election Commission, adding that local government elections would be held after the delimitation of constituencies.

Speaking about security arrangements, she said foolproof security had been ensured during Youm-e-Ali (RA) and throughout Ramadan for mosques, Imambargahs, I’tikaf gatherings and Taraweeh prayers. Women security squads would also be deployed in markets during Eid shopping.

On the occasion, Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique said large-scale measures were being taken to eliminate urban flooding in cities across Punjab.

He said 380 water storage tanks would be constructed along roads to store rainwater instead of letting it go to waste.

He further said that HDP pipes were being used for the sewerage system in Punjab for the first time, with a lifespan of up to 100 years. In addition, wastewater treatment plants were being established in various cities of the province to make sewage water reusable.