Lahore Division

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has made significant progress on its Rs 61.12 billion “Model Villages Project”, with the tendering process now completed and 485 villages formally approved for inclusion in the major rural development programme.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also directed the relevant departments to accelerate implementation and ensure that the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe.
According to government sources, Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique has been assigned responsibility for overseeing the timely completion of the project. The chief minister has instructed authorities to complete development work in 40 selected villages on a priority basis during the first phase so that rural communities can begin benefiting from the initiative at the earliest.
Under the project, basic public facilities and rural infrastructure across Punjab will be upgraded in line with modern development standards. The planned works include the provision of clean drinking water, modern drainage systems, wastewater treatment plants, recreational parks for children, streetlights, and the construction and rehabilitation of streets and roads.
Officials said development contracts for 463 of the 485 villages have been successfully finalised. Fresh tenders will be issued for the remaining 22 villages to ensure that the contracts are awarded through a transparent and competitive process.
The Punjab government said the Model Villages Project is a key component of its broader rural development strategy. Around 3.4 million rural residents are expected to benefit from improved infrastructure, a healthier living environment and better access to modern public services.
The initiative is also expected to improve living standards, stimulate local economic activity, create employment opportunities and support sustainable development across rural Punjab.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has introduced a major reform in the province’s land administration system by granting formal legal status to the Land Record Extract for the first time.
Under a notification issued by the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA), the document will now be legally admissible in a range of land-related transactions and proceedings.
According to the notification, the Land Record Extract will be accepted as a valid legal document in property sales and purchases, mutations, registrations and other land-related matters. The move is expected to eliminate the longstanding ambiguity surrounding the legal status and official use of the document.
Previously, the absence of clearly defined legal recognition for the Land Record Extract often created difficulties for citizens dealing with government offices and revenue authorities. Following the latest decision, land transactions are expected to become more transparent, standardized and legally secure.
The Punjab Land Records Authority has directed all deputy commissioners, registrars, sub-registrars and other relevant institutions across the province to implement the decision without delay.
Officials said the reform would promote greater transparency and uniformity in the land record system while enabling citizens to access more efficient, reliable and user-friendly revenue services.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the district administration of Diamer to implement livelihood development schemes worth PKR 972.571 million in communities surrounding the Diamer Bhasha Dam project. The initiative forms part of the project's broader Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), which are designed to enhance the socio-economic well-being of local residents while strengthening community participation in one of Pakistan's largest hydropower and water storage projects.
The agreement was signed by General Manager and Project Director of the Diamer Bhasha Dam Project, Dr. Engr. Nazakat Hussain, and Deputy Commissioner Diamer, Lt. (Retd.) Muhammad Owais Abbasi, in the presence of Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Secretary Arshad Majeed. WAPDA said the partnership reflects the authority's commitment to ensuring that communities directly affected by the mega project receive sustainable economic and social benefits alongside national infrastructure development.
Under the agreement, the livelihood schemes will be executed through the relevant government departments under the supervision of the Diamer district administration. The implementation process will also involve close consultation with local communities to ensure that projects address their priority needs and contribute to long-term economic opportunities.
To ensure transparency, accountability and quality standards, a joint oversight committee comprising representatives from the district administration, WAPDA and local community members will supervise the implementation of the schemes. The committee will monitor project execution, review progress and ensure that development activities are completed efficiently and in accordance with approved standards.
According to WAPDA, the livelihood programme is part of a much larger socio-economic development initiative under the Diamer Bhasha Dam Project, for which PKR 78.5 billion has been allocated. The authority said the investment is intended to improve the quality of life of people living in the project area through investments in infrastructure, education, energy and community development.
WAPDA highlighted that several major development initiatives have already been completed under this programme, including the Thore Hydel Power Station, Thak Hydel Power Station, and Cadet College Chilas. These projects have contributed to expanding electricity access, improving educational facilities and supporting broader regional development.
The Diamer Bhasha Dam remains one of Pakistan's most significant strategic infrastructure projects, expected to substantially increase the country's water storage capacity, strengthen hydropower generation and enhance water security while promoting long-term economic growth and sustainable development in Gilgit-Baltistan.