Punjab Province

Kasur: ReNews Pakistan
Under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, development initiatives across Kasur continue to gather pace. In this context, Deputy Commissioner Kasur Muhammad Asif Raza, accompanied by local parliamentarians, conducted a comprehensive inspection of the under-construction Munir Shaheed Park to review progress and ensure adherence to approved development standards.
During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to maintain construction quality and meet stipulated timelines without compromise. He underscored that Munir Shaheed Park is envisioned as a modern public recreational space that will contribute significantly to the city’s urban landscape and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Officials briefed the delegation on key components of the project, including landscaped green areas, pedestrian walkways, children’s play zones, seating arrangements, and an integrated lighting system designed to ensure public safety. The project is being developed in line with contemporary urban planning standards, with particular focus on environmental sustainability and accessibility.
Parliamentarians accompanying the visit reaffirmed their support for public welfare projects, stating that the establishment of well-maintained parks is central to promoting healthier lifestyles and fostering community engagement. They noted that such initiatives reflect the provincial government’s broader commitment to urban beautification and improved civic amenities.
The Deputy Commissioner further instructed that, upon completion, a structured maintenance mechanism be implemented to preserve the park’s facilities and greenery. He emphasized that sustainable upkeep is as critical as timely execution in ensuring long-term public benefit.
The development of Munir Shaheed Park is expected to serve as a landmark recreational facility in Kasur, offering citizens a secure and inclusive environment for leisure and community activities. The inspection concluded with assurances from relevant officials and project engineers to expedite remaining work while upholding transparency and construction excellence.

Chunian: Sadaf Arshad, District reporter | ReNews Pakistan
Deputy Commissioner Kasur Muhammad Asif Raza conducted a detailed inspection of the under-construction District Public School (DPS) Chunian, accompanied by MPA Ahsan Raza Khan, as part of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision for educational development. The visit aimed to assess construction progress, evaluate infrastructure standards, and ensure the future delivery of modern educational services.
During the inspection, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized that the project will not only elevate educational standards in the region but also provide students with a safe, advanced, and inclusive learning environment. He highlighted the importance of maintaining quality and transparency throughout the construction process to ensure that students receive state-of-the-art facilities upon completion.
MPA Ahsan Raza Khan remarked that education remains a top priority for the Punjab government, and DPS Chunian is a tangible step toward achieving this goal. He assured that the school will feature modern laboratories, fully equipped classrooms, sports facilities, and other amenities aimed at fostering both academic and physical development of students.
The inspection included a review of school buildings, science and computer laboratories, multipurpose halls, and outdoor sports grounds. The Deputy Commissioner directed the responsible authorities to maintain construction pace while ensuring strict adherence to quality standards at every stage. Officials noted that DPS Chunian is poised to become a landmark institution in Kasur, offering students access to modern learning tools and digital platforms. The Deputy Commissioner also emphasized organizing open days for parents and the local community post-completion to showcase the school’s facilities and educational standards.
The review highlighted that the project represents a significant step toward raising educational benchmarks in the district while improving public service delivery. Upon completion, the school is expected to provide high-quality education, create employment opportunities in the area, and enhance community engagement.
Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Asif Raza reaffirmed that under the guidance of CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, all development projects will prioritize transparency, quality, and timely completion to ensure citizens benefit from superior educational and social Status.
The inspection was attended by school administrators, relevant officials, and community representatives, who discussed future plans for the institution and pledged support to ensure the successful completion of the DPS Chunian project.

Lahore: ReNews Pakistan
A fact-finding study by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), in collaboration with the European Union (EU), has revealed serious shortcomings in the design and delivery of water, sewerage, and drainage services in Lahore, raising concerns over citizens’ fundamental human rights.
The report titled “Urban exclusion in access to water and sanitation in Lahore” identifies fragmented governance, lack of coordinated planning, and conflicting departmental priorities as major hurdles in delivering equitable and rights-based services. The absence of a fully empowered local government has further weakened accountability, oversight, and citizen representation in municipal affairs.
Rapid urbanisation, unregulated development, and poor maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure have intensified the challenges. The HRCP study emphasizes that access to safe water and sanitation is essential for fundamental rights including health, housing, and security. It highlights the increased vulnerability of marginalized communities, noting that transgender persons frequently face denial of access to washrooms in government buildings, while individuals with disabilities encounter a complete lack of accessible facilities.
The report also points to climate change as a key factor affecting water systems, with altered rainfall patterns, extreme weather events, and rising temperatures impacting urban drainage and sewerage networks.
Recommendations include legislating the human right to water and sanitation, improving access in informal and low-income settlements, ensuring inclusive sanitation facilities, reducing water wastage, protecting sanitation workers, and promoting community-based complaint mechanisms. The study also advocates for water-sensitive urban planning that balances ecological sustainability with supply targets.
In response, WASA Lahore Managing Director Ghufran Ahmad disputed the findings, citing local environmental standards and existing initiatives. He noted that arsenic levels in Lahore’s water range between 20-25 ug/L, below the national safe limit of 50 ug/L, and emphasized ongoing projects for drainage improvement, rainwater harvesting, and replacement of aging sewerage lines under the Lahore Development Programme.
The study raises critical questions for policymakers and service providers about equitable access, sustainability, and accountability in Lahore’s water and sanitation sector, highlighting the intersection of human rights, urban planning, and climate resilience.