CM Maryam unveils Punjab-wide mega development push, warns officials against ‘eyewash’

• Punjab CM approves multi-billion district projects through local resources across province

• Tells Commissioners to leave ‘air-conditioned rooms’ and ensure visible ground work in field

• Roads, bypasses, parks, beautification and Safe City schemes approved in multiple divisions

• Punjab sets September 2026 target for completion of major district development projects

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday approved the launch of multi-billion-rupee development projects across Punjab under the District Development Plan (DDP), directing commissioners to ensure visible progress on the ground, strict monitoring of welfare schemes and accelerated delivery of public relief through districts’ own financial resources.

Chairing a key meeting of divisional commissioners, the chief minister ordered that all districts be made financially empowered and administratively autonomous to fast-track development and improve governance at the grassroots level. Commissioners from Sahiwal, Sargodha, Faisalabad and Multan divisions briefed the meeting on available resources and proposed development initiatives.

During the meeting, CM Maryam Nawaz expressed deep displeasure over the death of a three-year-old girl who fell into an open ditch in a private housing society in Faisalabad division and ordered strict action against negligent housing society owners.

She directed all private housing societies to submit monthly affidavits certifying that no open manholes existed within their areas, warning that if any citizen fell into a manhole, the owners of the concerned society would face arrest.

The chief minister also directed authorities to issue notices to private housing societies across Punjab and ordered rigorous monitoring of government and private school buildings. She further instructed that all construction sites must be properly cordoned off in accordance with standard operating procedures to prevent accidents.

Addressing commissioners in a stern tone, CM Punjab said: “No eyewash, we need actual ground work. Commissioners should now be visible in the field instead of sitting in air-conditioned rooms.”

She stressed that commissioners must ensure strict monitoring of all KPIs, adding that administrative authority also carried accountability and responsibility.

The chief minister directed district administrations to ensure deep-cleaning operations in all tehsils and observed that while some officers were delivering results, others were merely creating an “eyewash.”

“The amount of work visible on the ground is not what it should have been. The public must receive relief,” she said, adding that commissioners were the “eyes, ears and arms” of the government and must fulfil their responsibilities effectively.

Maryam Nawaz made it clear that there would be zero tolerance for negligence and directed officials to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to eliminate shortcomings. She also ruled out favouritism and instructed all departments to work strictly on merit.

During the briefing, the meeting was informed that Sahiwal division had Rs4 billion available under local government funds, while development projects worth Rs1.12 billion would be launched in Sahiwal city and adjoining areas.

The meeting was told that 10 major roads spanning 18.8 kilometres would be constructed in Sahiwal at a cost of Rs862 million, while repair and reconstruction of roads would be completed by September 2026. Old urban roads that had exceeded their lifespan would also be rebuilt according to modern standards, alongside construction of farm-to-market roads in rural areas.

The approved projects include a 3.2-kilometre road from DPO Chowk to DPS Chowk, upgradation of Farid Town Road and construction of Sher Dil Chowk to Samundari Road.

CM Punjab directed authorities to ensure international-standard roads in Sahiwal and expressed concern over deteriorating road infrastructure.

The meeting was further informed that roads from Harappa Road to DPS Road and from Girls College to Bhaiya Chowk would also be constructed, while the chief minister made it mandatory to build pavements level with roads.

In Chichawatni, two major roads — Ahmad Nagar Bypass and Girls College Bypass Road — would be constructed, while roads in Chak 138/9-L and Chak 186/9-L would also be developed.

Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to beautify Chichawatni Chowk and convert the main market into a model bazaar, warning that encroachments outside shops would not be tolerated.

She also ordered construction of an attractive entry point at the entrance of Sahiwal city.

In Okara, Papli Pahar Road would be upgraded and a road from Gogera to Thatta Sarang constructed. Solar streetlights would also be installed on Main Akbar Road, while floodlights would be added at Jinnah Stadium.

The meeting approved five urban, five rural and four beautification schemes for Pakpattan. Officials informed the meeting that Northern-Southern Bypass and Malka Hans Road would be constructed, while a sports arena would be established in front of the cricket stadium and DPO office.

The chief minister directed authorities to install solar lights along Pakpattan canal banks and beautify surrounding areas. All 17 schemes in Sahiwal division have been targeted for completion by September 2026.

The meeting also approved development projects worth Rs2.8 billion for Sargodha division from local revenues, including construction of Shahpur Lak Morr Road and beautification of Bhera.

An entry point at Sial Morr Motorway Interchange and a pedestrian bridge on Sargodha University Road would also be built.

The chief minister ordered acceleration of Safe City camera installation in Sargodha, while the briefing stated that access to Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology would be improved and Rahman Pura Road upgraded.

Under Khushab division projects, a family park and bus stand would be established in Quaidabad, while roads in Bhakkar city areas would be upgraded.

Darya Khan would witness revamping of Kallar Kot Road along with development of a kids’ area, ladies park and bus station. Beautification of the Mankera entry point and installation of streetlights on Mianwali Road were also approved.

CM Punjab directed completion of all Sargodha division schemes by September 30 and ordered implementation of uniform standards for development projects across Punjab.

The meeting was informed that Faisalabad division had Rs5.3 billion in local resources available, with work to be undertaken on 59 schemes, including construction and rehabilitation of 38 roads stretching over 81 kilometres. Jhang Road Bypass would also be upgraded.

The chief minister ordered end-to-end pavement construction in Faisalabad.

The briefing further stated that Dijkot-Tandlianwala Road would be reconstructed and the Small Industrial Estate upgraded. Footpaths would also be developed on Jaranwala-Satyana Link Road, while end-to-end roads would be constructed in Toba Tek Singh and Gojra.

In Chiniot, seven roads would be improved along with city beautification projects, while streetlights and road conditions on Jhang Road would also be upgraded.

For Multan division, the meeting approved completion of 28 schemes across four districts at a cost of Rs3 billion. Roads from Ghanta Ghar to Chungi No 9 and from Dera Adda to Aziz Hotel in Multan would undergo end-to-end upgradation, while the Askari Bypass Old Shujaabad Road project would also be carried forward under the development plan.