Lahore: The Punjab government has launched a sweeping urban renewal initiative under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, with 59 cities set to be modernized in the first phase of the Cities Development Programme.
To oversee this ambitious project, a provincial steering committee has been established, headed by Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafiq. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Zeeshan Malik and Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian are also members of the committee.
As part of the launch activities, Minister Zeeshan Rafiq visited the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) where he reviewed progress on the programme alongside senior officials. PMDFC Managing Director Syed Zahid Aziz gave a detailed briefing on the development plans.
Rafiq stated that surveys for the planned development works have been completed across both small and large cities. “This is another mega project of the CM Maryam Nawaz government, aiming to upgrade infrastructure including sewerage, drainage, rainwater harvesting, streets, and parks,” he said. “We will also convert drainage systems to solar energy for environmental sustainability.”
The initiative, developed with World Bank support, is designed to address long-standing deficiencies in basic municipal services. In the first phase, 59 cities will see upgrades, followed by 110 cities in the second phase. The chief minister has directed that work in at least 50 cities be completed by next year.
The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to uniform development across the province. “For the first time, a comprehensive drainage by-system will be introduced in every city. Special sewer lines will be laid to protect groundwater from contamination,” Rafiq noted.
He directed the PMDFC to complete the PC-1 planning documents for each city within the current month. Local steering committees in each district, chaired by respective deputy commissioners, will support implementation on the ground and coordinate with elected local representatives.
Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian added that the bulk of available human resources would be utilized for the programme, with new recruitment limited to essential roles. He expressed confidence that the entire project would be completed within two years and would serve urban infrastructure needs for the next 25 years.
The Cities Development Programme marks a significant step in Punjab’s efforts to modernize urban centers, enhance public services, and promote sustainable development.
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