LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has formally launched development work under the flagship programme ‘Maryam Nawaz Ka Sohna Punjab’ in 51 cities across the province, aiming to upgrade urban infrastructure and improve essential civic facilities.
Chairing a special meeting, the chief minister directed that the first phase of the project be completed by June 2026, with priority given to strengthening sewerage systems and other core infrastructure in every city. She has taken direct oversight of the Punjab Development Plan to ensure transparency, efficiency and timely execution.
To support implementation, the government is establishing provincial and district-level control rooms for real-time monitoring of projects and prompt resolution of public concerns.
Under the plan, 5,887 kilometres of sewerage lines and 181 drainage lines will be constructed across 51 cities. More than 33,000 new manhole covers will be installed, while production of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes for sewerage networks is progressing at pace.
Deputy commissioners from Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar, Vehari, Wazirabad, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura and Kasur briefed the chief minister on city-specific development plans.
Key city initiatives include:
Multan -- Construction of 232 kms of sewerage lines, installation of 81 pumps and 51 generators, and development of 64 kms of urban roads. Major roads including Boson Road, Khanewal Road, Shujaabad Road and Nishtar Road will also be expanded and beautified.
Gujranwala -- Laying of 131 kms of sewerage lines and 2 kms of drainage lines, along with the establishment of a wastewater treatment plant and procurement of 16 machinery units, forming the city’s largest development package to date.
Dera Ghazi Khan -- Completion of sewerage and drainage projects worth over Rs12 billion in two zones, conversion of Manika Canal into an agricultural canal, and construction and rehabilitation of 140 kms of sewerage lines.
Bhakkar -- Installation of a 42-inch-diameter sewerage line, 100 new manholes, and solar-powered disposal stations, along with development of parks, walkways and public washrooms.
Vehari -- Development schemes valued at Rs6.7 billion.
Sheikhupura -- Laying of 95 kms of sewerage lines and accelerated completion of beautification projects.
The chief minister also directed for immediate improvements in cleanliness and civic management in Sheikhupura, praised the revamping of District Headquarters Hospital Kasur, and instructed authorities to further enhance sanitation services in Kasur. She ordered urgent restoration of the sewerage system in Pattoki as well.
The chief minister directed that all projects under the Punjab Development Plan be completed with full transparency and within stipulated timelines, ensuring that the benefits of development reach every street and neighbourhood across the province.
Meanwhile, under the chief minister’s leadership, the provincial administration restored normal life in Murree following nearly 30 hours of continuous heavy snowfall. Acting on her directives, a dedicated Snow Clearance Cell remained operational round the clock and successfully cleared 185 kilometres of 48 major and minor roads, despite snow accumulation reaching up to two feet in several areas.
Traffic movement has largely resumed, and tourist activity has begun to pick up again. Authorities deployed modern machinery, including mechanical snow sweepers and heavy-duty bulldozers, to remove snow, while continuous salt spreading was carried out to prevent skidding and road accidents.
On the chief minister’s instructions, provincial Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmed, along with the deputy commissioner Murree, District Police Officer, and field teams, supervised the operation day and night.
Key roads and tourist routes that have been fully cleared and reopened include Governor’s House Road, Abu Dhabi Road, Pindi Point, Kashmir Point, Mall Road, Bank Road, Jinnah Road, and the Rawalpindi-Murree-Kashmir Road via Ghora Gali, Sunny Bank, Kuldana, Jhika Gali, Lower Topa and Lower Dewal. Routes from Lower Topa to Patriata and from Kohala Bridge to Jhika Gali, along with several inner-city and suburban roads, have also been reopened.
CM Maryam praised the performance of teams, saying the swift and coordinated response demonstrates the government’s commitment to public safety, uninterrupted mobility and revival of tourism in Murree.
Separately, the chief minister expressed deep sorrow over a tragic road accident in Daska, where a car collided with a trolley, resulting in the deaths of five people, including children.
She extended heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families, describing the incident as deeply painful and distressing. She prayed for eternal peace for the departed souls and for strength and patience for the families to bear the irreparable loss.
Maryam stated that the loss of precious human lives, especially children, is an immense tragedy, and assured that the provincial administration stands with the affected families during this difficult time.
