Lahore: As monsoon season approaches, the Punjab government is intensifying oversight of infrastructure projects under the Lahore Development Programme (LDP), with a strong emphasis on timely excavation work and minimizing public disruption.
Provincial Minister for Local Government and Convener of the LDP Steering Committee, Zeeshan Rafiq, stressed the importance of completing excavation work before the onset of rains to avoid inconvenience to citizens. He also directed that alternative routes must be effectively managed during ongoing construction to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Chairing a high-level meeting of the LDP Steering Committee on Monday, Zeeshan Rafiq said, “All instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz must be followed in every phase of the development schemes. CM herself is inspecting progress and will not compromise on delays or quality.”
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bukhari, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Political Affairs Zeeshan Malik, Commissioner Lahore Zaid bin Maqsood, Additional Secretary Local Government Ahmer Kaifi, Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza, and WASA Managing Director Syed Ghufran Ahmed.
The steering committee reviewed progress and directed the Deputy Commissioner and WASA MD to adhere strictly to the LDP’s approved timeline. Zeeshan Rafiq also urged public cooperation in protecting already completed streets and emphasized the need to expand WASA’s institutional capacity following the increase in its scope within Lahore.
Azma Bukhari underscored the importance of long-term planning in infrastructure, particularly sewage systems and street lighting. “We must ensure that the sewage system meets the needs of the next 30 years,” she said. She also instructed that work be ramped up immediately after the Eid-ul-Adha holidays and promised that restoration of parks and upgrades to cemeteries will also be prioritized under the LDP.
Zeeshan Malik, Special Assistant to the CM, firmly stated that no excavation will be allowed on newly completed streets. “There will be no compromise on quality or transparency,” he said, calling for regular progress updates to the steering committee.
Commissioner Lahore Zaid bin Maqsood assured the committee that all relevant departments are coordinating effectively on the LDP. Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza added that following LDP completion, any further excavation in the city’s streets will require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the district administration.
As Lahore braces for the rainy season, the government’s push for timely, high-quality urban development reflects a larger commitment to public convenience, transparency, and long-term planning.
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