- Punjab CM emphasizes timely completion of drainage work to prevent urban flooding
- Phase-I of Punjab Development Programme to start 19 Dec with major projects to be completed by June 2026
- Rs166b worth of projects approved; 10 tenders finalized for Rs53.5bn projects
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday chaired a special review meeting on the Punjab Development Programme (PDP), where officials presented a detailed progress report on upgrading streets, parks, sewerage, and drainage systems across 52 cities.
Authorities informed the chief minister that development work under Phase-I of the programme will formally commence on 19 December 2025, with major projects expected to be completed by 30 June 2026. So far, projects worth Rs166 billion have been approved under the first-phase outlay of Rs304 billion.
The briefing highlighted that 50 tenders have been floated, with 10 finalized, paving the way for the commencement of 10 major projects worth Rs53.5 billion in the coming days. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed officials to prioritize construction and rehabilitation of severely deteriorated neighbourhoods and emphasized the timely completion of drainage projects ahead of the monsoon season to mitigate urban flooding.
Officials further briefed that under PDP, 3,497 km of sewerage lines will be laid, 181 km of drainage networks will be developed, and 56 new disposal stations will be constructed. Additionally, 61 existing disposal stations will be upgraded, increasing the total water-handling capacity to 2,114 cusecs.
Phase-I of the programme covers 10 cities: Burewala, Khanewal, Lalamusa, Mailsi, Sillanwali, Vehari, Attock, Layyah, Alipur, and Jaranwala, where projects worth Rs53 billion will be launched immediately. The development will later expand to 43 additional cities, implementing sewerage, drainage, parks, and street-rehabilitation projects amounting to Rs304 billion.
The chief minister said the PDP will bring visible improvements in urban living standards and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to “uniform development” across all districts of Punjab.
CM’s Message on International Human Rights Day
On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, Maryam Nawaz said Islam is the greatest advocate of human rights, noting that the first comprehensive charter of human rights was delivered by Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) in his farewell sermon. She added that 10 December is a day to raise awareness about the universal human rights of every individual, irrespective of color, race, religion, gender, or status.
The chief minister emphasized that respect for human rights is a cornerstone of societal development and prosperity. She highlighted that the Punjab government, under the PML-N, prioritizes the protection and promotion of human rights, ensuring access to education, health, religious freedom, and freedom of expression.
Maryam Nawaz stated that her vision is to create a society where every citizen receives equal opportunities, justice, and respect. She added that promoting love, tolerance, and respect is essential for protecting human rights. She also underscored that the Punjab government has taken concrete steps to eliminate forced labor, guarantee religious freedom, and provide justice without discrimination. She concluded, “We reiterate our commitment to protect human rights of every citizen.”
