Lahore Division

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has achieved significant financial savings of Rs28 billion through a transparent tendering process across multiple development schemes, officials revealed during a high level review meeting of the Punjab Development Programme (PDP).
Chairing the meeting ,Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique said the savings reflect improved governance, accountability, and efficiency in public sector projects.
He highlighted that out of 55 suction machines planned for different cities have already been procured, while the acquisition process for 55 jetting machines and 100 dewatering sets is actively progressing. Additionally, the purchase of 77 desilting machines is in its final stages.
The minister stressed that the induction of modern machinery will play a critical role in addressing urban flooding issues, particularly during the monsoon season. He noted that, under the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a comprehensive system of underground water storage tanks is being developed across major cities.
These tanks, to be constructed along roads, will ensure prompt drainage of rainwater and allow stored water to be reused when needed, improving overall water management.
Rafique further stated that the government is focusing on strengthening drainage infrastructure through the rehabilitation of 61 existing disposal stations, alongside the construction of 56 new ones. He added that a long term urban development master plan extending to 2050 has been prepared under the PDP to guide sustainable growth.
The minister also revealed that advanced pipe lining technology has been successfully introduced in Pakistan, with plants being installed in multiple cities. Development work is currently ongoing in 51 cities under the supervision of the Local Government Department as part of the “Beautiful Punjab” initiative, aimed at modernising urban infrastructure and enhancing civic facilities.

Lahore: [Riaz Hussain ReNews]
Director General LDA, Tahir Farooq, visited the ongoing development projects at the Data Darbar expansion scheme, Bhatti Chowk Underpass, and surrounding areas of the Railway Station, reviewing the progress in detail.
During the visit, Chief Engineer TEPA Iqrar Hussain and Chief Engineer LDA Asrar Saeed briefed him that work on the pedestrian zone of the Data Darbar expansion project is nearing completion, while finishing work on the pedestrian underpass is continuing round the clock. Simultaneously, work on the parking area and the courtyard (piazza) of the shrine is also in progress.
The DG LDA also inspected the Bhatti Chowk Underpass project, where he was informed that overall 37% of the work has been completed, while 85% of the piling work has been achieved. On this occasion, he directed the contractor to expedite the pace of development work to ensure timely completion.
Later, he reviewed the ongoing development activities around the Railway Station. The briefing highlighted that development of the parking area in front of the station is in its final stages, with installation of solar lights and work on seating areas underway. Additionally, teams are actively working on façade upgradation along Circular Road and in the surrounding areas of the Railway Station.
DG LDA Tahir Farooq directed that progress on both projects should be regularly monitored and all work must be completed within the stipulated timeframe.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has decided to launch a large scale community development initiative aimed at providing affordable housing to low income families. In this regard, a key meeting on the Affordable Housing Program was held under the chairmanship of Provincial Minister for Housing, Bilal Yaseen. During the meeting, Project Director of the Punjab Affordable Housing Program, Muhammad Abdullah, gave a detailed briefing on the proposed plan. It was informed that a comprehensive strategy has been finalized to initiate the project in the first phase in Faisalabad and Khanewal. Provincial Minister Bilal Yaseen stated that construction of more than 1,600 housing units will commence this year under the program. These houses will be offered to low-income families on easy and affordable installment plans. The project will also include essential facilities such as schools, mosques, basic infrastructure, and other amenities to ensure a complete and sustainable community environment. It was further shared that over 215 kanal of government land in Faisalabad and Khanewal has been allocated for the construction of these housing units, while government subsidies will also be provided to facilitate deserving beneficiaries. Bilal Yaseen added that under the “Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar” initiative, nearly 2,000 families have already been provided with free plots. Efforts are being accelerated to complete ongoing projects before the next fiscal year. According to officials, the initiative is being seen as a significant step towards ensuring affordable housing for low-income segments and improving their overall standard of living.