Lahore: ReNews Pakistan
Provincial Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique has announced that the construction of 33 new rescue stations across Punjab will be completed soon as part of efforts to enhance emergency response services and improve public safety infrastructure.
The announcement was made during a high-level meeting chaired by the minister to review coordination mechanisms for patient transfer to teaching hospitals operating under the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department of Punjab.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary of Health, Punjab, Azmat Mahmood, and the Secretary of Emergency Services, Dr. Rizwan Naseer, along with other senior officials.
During the session, officials were briefed on the progress of the 33 under-construction rescue stations. Authorities emphasized that expanding emergency infrastructure will significantly strengthen the province’s rescue network and ensure quicker response during emergencies.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Government of Punjab has introduced a modern monitoring mechanism to ensure effective oversight of development projects being executed under the Chief Minister Punjab Development Programme, aiming to improve transparency and timely completion of infrastructure and housing-related initiatives across the province.
According to officials of the Housing and Urban Development Department, Punjab, the initiative has been launched on the directives of Secretary Housing Noorul Amin Mengal. As part of the initiative, a digital monitoring dashboard has been developed to track the implementation and progress of development projects.
A departmental spokesperson said the dashboard incorporates advanced monitoring features and unique performance parameters to evaluate the pace and quality of work. The system allows authorities to monitor project execution in real time and identify implementation gaps promptly.
Officials noted that the digital monitoring framework is expected to strengthen governance and ensure improved supervision of development activities, particularly those related to urban infrastructure, land development, and housing schemes across Punjab.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a proposal to clear flood zones across the province within three months, directing authorities to remove illegal structures obstructing natural waterways and river passages.
The approval was granted during a special meeting on post-flood management chaired by the chief minister, where relevant departments presented a comprehensive briefing on flood risks, encroachments in water channels, and preventive measures for future disaster management.
During the meeting, the chief minister directed strict enforcement of the ban on construction within riverbeds, flood channels, and natural drainage corridors, warning that such encroachments pose serious risks to nearby settlements and disrupt the natural flow of water during heavy rains and flooding.
The provincial government also decided that no financial compensation will be provided for illegal structures built within waterways if they collapse or sustain damage during floods, stressing the need for compliance with environmental and urban planning regulations.
In addition, the meeting approved the restructuring of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority to enhance institutional capacity for disaster preparedness and emergency response. As part of the reform initiative, eight new operational wings will be established within the authority to strengthen planning, coordination, and rapid response mechanisms during natural disasters.
Officials stated that the measures aim to improve flood risk management, protect residential communities, and ensure safer urban and rural development across Punjab. The government also emphasised the importance of coordinated action among provincial departments to mitigate future flood hazards and safeguard public infrastructure.