Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
A high-level review meeting on the “Model Village Programme” was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafiq, where the progress of the project and future strategy were discussed in detail. The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Asia Gul, Additional Secretary Ahmar Kafi, and CEO Punjab Rural Municipal Services Company Khurram Pervez, along with other relevant officials.
During the briefing, it was informed that the Model Village initiative is a key component of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s “Sohna Punjab” programme. In the first phase, the upgradation of 485 villages has been initiated. The project has already been approved with a total allocation of Rs 60 billion.
The Minister for Local Government stated that the Punjab Rural Municipal Services Company (PRMSC) has issued work awards for development schemes in 357 villages, while municipal service projects are currently underway in 107 villages.
He further provided details of villages included from different divisions, stating that 41 villages from Sargodha, 44 from Sahiwal, 55 from Gujranwala, 51 from Gujrat, 63 from Multan, 39 from DG Khan, 50 from Lahore, 58 from Rawalpindi, 48 from Bahawalpur, and 36 from Faisalabad are part of the programme.
The meeting was informed that essential services such as sewerage, water supply, street paving, parks, and street lights will be provided in these villages on a priority basis. The Minister emphasised that existing streets and drains should not be demolished during the execution of projects.
He also highlighted that the restoration of traditional village ponds is an important part of the programme, and proper treatment of collected water will be ensured. Immediate steps were directed in this regard.
According to the Chief Minister’s directives, the first phase of the project will be completed by December 31, and all excavation work has been instructed to be finished before the monsoon season.

Lahore: ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Minister for Local Government, Zeeshan Rafique, visited four districts on Eid al-Fitr to review sanitation arrangements and assess the implementation of the Eid cleanliness plan.
The minister toured Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, and Lahore, inspecting multiple locations, including Daska, Sialkot city, Gujranwala, Kamonki, Muridke, and Shahdara. Following visits to Daska and Sialkot, he proceeded to Gujranwala for further inspections.
In Gujranwala, Commissioner Syed Naveed Haider Shirazi, Deputy Commissioner Naveed Ahmed, and CEO of Gujranwala Waste Management Company Muhammad Qasim accompanied the minister and briefed him on ongoing operations.
Zeeshan Rafique reviewed sanitation measures in key areas, including Model Town, GT Road, Upper Chenab Canal, Tehsil Saddar, and Kamonki, ensuring that arrangements under the Eid plan were being effectively implemented.
On the occasion, he distributed sweets and Eid gifts among sanitation workers as part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Suthra Punjab” initiative, appreciating their efforts and dedication.
Expressing satisfaction over the cleanliness arrangements in Gujranwala, the minister stated that providing a clean environment to citizens remains a top government priority. He directed relevant authorities to ensure uninterrupted sanitation operations throughout the Eid holidays.
Residents also welcomed the improved arrangements, expressing hope that such cleanliness drives would continue on a regular basis beyond festive occasions.

Lahore: ReNews Pakistan
In a move aimed at strengthening environmental protection, the Punjab government has enforced the Public Parks, Greenbelts and Green Areas Protection & Regulated Emergency Transplantation Regulations 2026 across the province, granting special protected status to ecologically significant trees.
According to officials, the new regulations are designed to safeguard trees located in public parks, greenbelts, and other designated green areas from illegal cutting and unnecessary removal, while promoting sustainable urban development.
Under the rules, trees identified as environmentally important cannot be cut or transplanted without prior approval from the relevant authority. Even in emergency situations, transplantation will be strictly regulated to ensure minimal ecological damage.
Authorities stated that development projects will now be required to incorporate tree protection measures, including environmental impact assessments and compensatory plantation plans, making green preservation a mandatory component of urban planning.
Officials warned that strict legal action would be taken against violators involved in unauthorized tree cutting or damage, signaling a zero-tolerance policy towards environmental negligence.
Environmental experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that protecting mature trees is critical in combating rising urban temperatures, reducing air pollution, and maintaining ecological balance.
Public circles have also appreciated the move, expressing hope that effective implementation of these regulations will help preserve green spaces and improve the overall urban environment across Punjab.