LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday chaired a meeting via video link with deputy commissioners across the province to review progress on the Punjab Development Plan (PDP) and the Lahore Development Plan (LDP).
According to a briefing, work on critical, most critical and non-critical components is progressing rapidly. Approximately 40 per cent of the most critical work has been completed in 51 cities. The first phase of the Lahore Development Plan has been completed, while 76pc work on Phase II has been completed. The chief minister directed that the plan for Phase III be presented, adding that Phase II would be completed by the end of June.
It was informed that for the first time in history, 16,410 streets in Lahore are being upgraded and beautified, with 60 streets being improved in a single day. The meeting was also briefed on progress under the Punjab Development Plan, under which drainage work for rainwater has reached an average of 40pc completion in 51 cities. In Kamalia, 70pc of storm water drainage work has been completed, while Gojra stands at 65pc. In Toba Tek Singh and Chichawatni, 55pc of critical work has been completed, while Joharabad and Jalalpur Jattan have achieved 44pc completion in drainage schemes.
The chief minister was informed that work has begun on the provision of machinery worth Rs6.6bn, including 46 suction machines, 45 jetting machines, 100 dewatering sets and 77 desilting machines. The machinery will be supplied to 52 cities by the end of June.
The CM directed authorities to ensure foolproof arrangements ahead of the early monsoon season, warning that no negligence would be tolerated. She stressed the need to complete preparations in advance and ensure implementation of safety protocols.
Reviewing the Lahore Development Plan, she was informed that targets set within timelines had largely been achieved, with remaining work continuing. Weekly progress reports were presented during the meeting.
Under Phase I, additional streets will be upgraded, including sewerage work and installation of tuff tiles and coloured tiles. The chief minister reviewed pictorial evidence of upgraded streets and expressed satisfaction.
On the previously poor condition of many streets, she said they resembled “filthy cattle sheds”, adding that residents, particularly mothers, had long suffered due to stagnant water, foul smell and lack of access.
The briefing noted that 85pc of the Ichhra Bazaar upgradation project has been completed and will be finalised within the current month. The chief minister expressed her intent to personally inaugurate the upgraded market, recalling her visits there during childhood and warning that neglect could have led to loss of a historic marketplace.
Emphasising accountability, she said the era of “eye wash” was over. “You have been empowered; delivering results is now your responsibility,” she told officials. She directed all deputy commissioners to identify development gaps in their districts and prepare comprehensive plans for the next fiscal year, including hiring consultants where necessary. She ordered immediate repair and upgradation of service roads across the province, directing deputy commissioners to personally monitor clean water supply, beautification drives and the Model Village Programme.
She instructed that roads dug up for development work must be restored without delay, stating that inconvenience to the public was unacceptable and incomplete projects would not be tolerated. The Lahore Development Authority was directed to eliminate potholes and lay fresh asphalt layers.
The chief minister ordered end-to-end upgradation of both service lanes along Ferozepur Road in Lahore. Issuing an alert ahead of the monsoon, she directed deputy commissioners to ensure 100pc readiness. She instructed that arrangements for the upcoming Eidul Azha sanitation operation must surpass last year’s performance, warning that no negligence or excuses would be accepted.
The chief minister ordered immediate clearance of plastic bags from roads after storms and strong winds, stressing that offices and roads must be kept “spick and span” and that officers must remain visible in the field. She concluded by directing officials to implement her instructions in letter and spirit, stating that ignorance or lack of awareness would not be accepted as an excuse.
Sahulat Bazaars: Maryam Nawaz has set a July deadline for the completion of 27 new Sahulat Bazaars across the province. Additionally, 13 Sahulat on the Go Bazaars will be established in various districts. A total of 1,300 new businesses will be launched in the 27 Sahulat Bazaars, while more than 600 direct employment opportunities will be created. With the establishment of these bazaars, over 90 million citizens annually are expected to benefit. It has been stated that under the vision of Maryam Nawaz, fruits, vegetables and other essential items will be available at prices 40 per cent lower than the open market and 18 per cent lower than DC rates.
The initiative is projected to benefit more than 850,000 households, resulting in annual savings exceeding Rs5.3 billion. The establishment of these bazaars will boost the local supply chain and business activity. Sales of vendors are expected to increase by 24 per cent, while profits may rise by 23 per cent. Shopkeepers in Sahulat Bazaars will collectively save approximately Rs530 million annually in electricity, cleanliness and security services, which will be provided free of cost.
Each Sahulat Bazaar will be monitored through CCTV cameras from a central control room. A free home delivery service within a five-kilometre radius will ensure delivery within 40 minutes, saving both time and fuel.
New Sahulat Bazaars will be set up in tehsils of Bhakkar, Mianwali, Pakpattan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Mandi Bahauddin, Rawalpindi, Attock and Jhelum. Districts including Khanewal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Okara, Sialkot, Gujrat and Sargodha are part of the project. Sahulat on the Go Bazaars will be established in various tehsils of Lahore, Jhelum, Bhakkar, Rawalpindi, Kasur and Faisalabad.
The chief minister said the commitment to provide affordable and quality essential items to the people of Punjab will be fulfilled at all costs. She added that the availability of fruits and vegetables at reduced rates will provide tangible economic relief to the public.
She stated that Sahulat Bazaars will offer a clean environment with quality fruits, vegetables and other goods at affordable prices. Facilities such as parking, seating arrangements and dedicated counters for senior citizens will be provided. Clean drinking water, a mosque and a family-friendly environment will be ensured.
Tribute: Maryam Nawaz has paid tribute to brave firefighters, lauding their services, dedication and sacrifices on the occasion of the International Firefighters Day. In her message, she said firefighters risk and even sacrifice their lives to protect the lives and property of citizens. Creating public awareness about the importance of firefighters is a need of the hour, as they perform their duties with courage and a strong sense of responsibility. She said that personnel of Rescue 1122 have averted major losses in several incidents through timely response.
Referring to recent emergencies, she noted that precious lives were saved during a fire at the Big City Tower at Liberty Chowk. Similarly, in a hotel fire in Gulberg, Rescue 1122 firefighters rescued more than 180 people, setting a remarkable example.
The chief minister said the use of modern firefighting technology has been ensured across Punjab. Firefighters are being equipped with the best safety gear, snorkels and vehicles. Fire hydrants have been installed in high-rise buildings and markets, while regular inspection of fire extinguishers in residential buildings is being ensured to enable prompt response in case of fire incidents.
