Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Planning and Development Board has issued comprehensive new guidelines concerning PC-I documents for the approval of development projects across the province under the Annual Development Programme for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The guidelines are aimed at making the entire process of planning, approving, monitoring and implementing development projects more transparent, efficient and results-oriented, while ensuring the effective use of public resources.
According to the P&D Board, provincial departments will only be permitted to implement development schemes that have received formal approval. Each project must clearly state its total cost, expected completion period, responsible officer, objectives, anticipated outcomes and measurable performance indicators.
The progress of each project will also be reviewed regularly to ensure that work is completed in line with the approved targets and timelines.
Under the new guidelines, all departments have been directed to submit accurate, complete and verified information regarding the names, locations, costs, technical specifications and other relevant details of development schemes at the initial stage. The measure is intended to prevent delays in the approval process and improve transparency.
The P&D Board has also instructed departments to avoid unnecessary changes to approved development schemes during the financial year. Where an amendment becomes unavoidable, prior approval must be obtained in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures.
For the first time, the guidelines have made the assessment of risks related to climate change, flooding and other natural disasters a mandatory part of development planning. Departments have been directed to incorporate protective measures into every project to reduce the impact of potential natural hazards and ensure long-term sustainability.
The P&D Board has clarified that public funds may only be spent on development schemes formally approved by the relevant authorities. The measure is aimed at preventing expenditure on unapproved projects and ensuring the responsible use of public resources.
In addition, all provincial departments have been directed to submit their annual performance reports to the P&D Board by August 31.
The government will assess and rank departments on the basis of these reports, the progress of development projects and the effective utilisation of allocated budgets. The ranking system is intended to encourage stronger performance and promote reforms in departments showing weaker results.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Water and Sanitation Authority (WASA) is preparing to introduce a policy that would make the installation of groundwater recharge wells compulsory for all newly constructed residential buildings across the province. The initiative is aimed at restoring rapidly declining groundwater reserves, improving long term water sustainability, and reducing the risk of groundwater contamination.
According to WASA Director General Tayyab Fareed, the proposed regulations have been drafted and will be presented for formal approval during the authority’s upcoming meeting. If approved, the policy will require developers and homeowners to incorporate recharge wells into the design of all new residential construction projects.
Recharge wells are designed to channel rainwater into underground aquifers, helping replenish depleted groundwater reserves while reducing surface runoff and supporting sustainable urban water management. Officials believe the measure will play a key role in addressing Punjab’s growing water challenges, particularly in rapidly expanding urban areas where groundwater extraction continues to outpace natural replenishment.
The proposal forms part of the provincial government's broader strategy to strengthen climate resilience, promote responsible water resource management, and secure reliable access to clean drinking water for future generations.
Director General Tayyab Fareed also highlighted the role of Punjab’s newly established WASA network, which now comprises 41 Water and Sanitation Agencies operating across the province. The expanded network has been tasked with improving drinking water supply, modernizing sanitation infrastructure, and implementing uniform standards for water resource management.
Officials believe that mandatory recharge wells, combined with improved water and sanitation services, will contribute to a more sustainable urban development model while helping mitigate the environmental impacts of rapid population growth and increasing pressure on Punjab’s groundwater resources.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (CBD Punjab) has announced that its flagship Quaid District and Bab District have become Pakistan’s first urban development to receive LEED for Communities Gold Precertification from the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), marking a significant milestone in the country’s sustainable urban development journey.
The internationally recognised precertification acknowledges the project’s master plan for meeting high standards of environmental sustainability, resilience, smart infrastructure, and quality of life. According to CBD Punjab, the recognition establishes a new benchmark for future ready urban communities and reinforces Punjab’s commitment to globally accepted development practices.
LEED for Communities is one of the world’s leading sustainability rating systems for cities and districts. It evaluates developments across multiple criteria, including environmental performance, transportation, energy efficiency, governance, public spaces, water management, and long term community wellbeing. Gold Precertification confirms that the project’s planning framework complies with international sustainability standards before construction is fully completed.
CBD Punjab stated that the Quaid and Bab Districts have been designed as integrated mixed use developments featuring smart mobility, green infrastructure, climate conscious planning, efficient resource management, and pedestrian friendly public spaces. The authority believes these features will support economic growth while improving environmental performance and urban livability.
CBD Punjab Chief Executive Officer Imran Amin described the achievement as a landmark moment for both the authority and Pakistan. He said the certification reflects the organisation’s vision of creating internationally competitive business districts that combine innovation, sustainability, and investment potential. He added that the development is intended to deliver lasting economic, environmental, and social benefits for future generations.
Officials said the recognition strengthens Punjab’s position as an emerging destination for sustainable urban investment and demonstrates that Pakistani developments can meet globally recognised planning and environmental standards. They added that the Quaid and Bab Districts are expected to serve as a model for future large scale urban projects across the country.
While the Gold Precertification represents an important international endorsement of the project’s planning and design, CBD Punjab noted that final LEED certification will be awarded after the development is completed and independently verified against GBCI’s sustainability performance requirements.