Punjab CM reviews mega projects, approves Punjab Heritage Tourism Authority

• CM Maryam seeks quarterly progress reports to ensure transparency, timely completion of CBD, RUDA and NSIT schemes
• Says Imperial College London campus to be established in Nawaz Sharif IT City with a 300-bed teaching hospital

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday reviewed progress on key development initiatives, including the Central Business District (CBD) Project, Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) schemes, and the Nawaz Sharif IT (NSIT) City, directing their timely completion and effective monitoring.

Chairing a special meeting, the chief minister stressed the need for expeditious execution of the Future Project and directed officials to submit quarterly progress reports to ensure transparency and sustained oversight.

Maryam Nawaz set a target for completing the RUDA Primary Dam on River Ravi ahead of potential flood seasons and announced a two-year timeline for the completion of RUDA Phase One. She also instructed the formulation of a viable business plan to enhance the project’s financial sustainability.

During the briefing, officials informed the chief minister that a campus of Imperial College London would be established in the Nawaz Sharif IT City, with the foundation stone to be laid in November. The campus will also include a 300-bed state-of-the-art hospital, which, she said, would “set new benchmarks in education, research and healthcare collaboration.”

Imperial College London to establish campus at Nawaz Sharif IT City with a 300-bed hospital. pic.twitter.com/hMGVUcK7UX

— PMLN (@pmln_org) October 18, 2025

It was further briefed that the construction of the Ravi embankment will protect Lahore from seasonal floods, while Chinese and Turkish companies have expressed investment interest in the proposed Entertainment City. Notably, DOF Robotics and U-Band Player have shown interest in developing a theme park under the initiative.

Meanwhile, the chief minister approved the establishment of the Punjab Heritage Tourism Authority, aimed at promoting and regulating heritage and cultural tourism across the province. After her approval, the summary will be placed before the provincial cabinet.

According to the plan, the chief minister will serve as the authority’s chairperson, while the senior minister will act as vice chairperson. The Tourism Department will forward the draft Act to the Law Department for vetting before its presentation in the Punjab Assembly for formal approval.

In a related development, Maryam Nawaz shared “good news for children” on her social media platform X, announcing the arrival of giraffes from South Africa at Lahore’s Safari Park after an eight-year gap.

A joyful day for the children and families of Lahore & Punjab! After eight long years, giraffes have returned to Lahore from South Africa. 🦒🦒🦒

Lahore Zoo now welcomes a new pair of giraffes, bringing life back to its enclosure after the loss of its male giraffe in 2022, which… pic.twitter.com/SjlX5kB1ZU

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) October 18, 2025

She said the arrival of the new pair has restored life to the long-deserted enclosure, adding that the female giraffe had been alone since the death of her male companion three years ago. The chief minister also confirmed the lifting of a two-year ban on animal imports, previously imposed due to poor zoo conditions.

Maryam Nawaz said the import marks a renewed global trust in Punjab’s wildlife sector, highlighting historic reforms and modern arrangements introduced over the past 18 months. “The joy of children will now be doubled when they see giraffes again at Lahore Zoo and Safari Park,” she remarked.