Punjab Province

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Faisal Ayub Khokhar inaugurated the Nawab Town Cricket Sports Complex in Lahore, a project completed at a cost of Rs 110 million aimed at providing youth with healthy and constructive recreational opportunities.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by provincial ministers Bilal Yasin, Sohail Shaukat Butt, and Sher Ali Gorchani, along with Adviser to the Chief Minister Zeeshan Malik, Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi, and other senior officials.
Speaking to the media on the occasion, Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that the sports complex is a gift from Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for sports enthusiasts in the area. He added that the facility has been equipped with modern amenities, including a jogging track, a dedicated playground, an air conditioned pavilion, and state of the art changing rooms.
He further stated that the provincial government is actively pursuing a large scale sports development agenda, under which 188 multi purpose sports complexes are being constructed across Punjab. In addition, work on 1,000 playgrounds is also underway to promote sports at the grassroots level and encourage youth participation in positive activities.
On the same occasion, an exhibition cricket match was played at the Nawab Town ground between Punjab Cabinet XI and Officers XI. The Punjab Cabinet XI delivered an impressive performance, defeating the Officers XI by 37 runs.

Faisalabad | ReNews Pakistan
Practical work on the proposed Faisalabad Greenfield International Airport has officially commenced following a high level meeting held to review the project’s development framework and implementation strategy.
The initiative is being undertaken by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) in collaboration with internationally renowned aviation consultancy firm DAR Al-Handasah and its local partner OCL-Asian. The project aims to establish a modern, future-ready airport designed to meet growing aviation demands and align with international standards.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Director General of the PAA, Engr Sameer Saeed, and attended by key stakeholders, including President of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Farooq Yousuf Sheikh, Vice Chancellor of Women University Faisalabad Prof Dr Kanwal Amin, as well as representatives from the business community, Airport Security Force, customs, police, district administration, aviation sector, and media.
During the briefing, Engr Sameer Saeed described the Greenfield Airport as a landmark initiative for Faisalabad and the wider region, highlighting its potential to significantly contribute to the national economy. He revealed that the project would require approximately 2,000 to 2,500 acres of land and is being planned with a long-term vision to accommodate future growth in air travel.
He further noted that the project holds strong potential for execution under a public private partnership model, ensuring the development of world-class aviation infrastructure. The PAA, he said, is committed to delivering a comprehensive airport project supported by global expertise and modern planning standards.
Experts from DAR Al-Handasah presented an initial project framework, outlining a nine phase development plan. These phases include data collection, technical analysis, master planning, environmental and economic assessments, design development, evaluation, and the formulation of final recommendations.
The consultants underscored that sustainability, adherence to international benchmarks, and long-term operational efficiency would remain central to all stages of the project.
Participants at the meeting termed the project highly significant for Faisalabad’s industrial, commercial, and social landscape. They observed that the new airport is expected to enhance export capacity, attract both domestic and foreign investment, promote tourism, generate employment opportunities, and strengthen global connectivity.
Experts also described the Greenfield Airport as a potential game changer for Central Punjab, noting that it would not only serve Faisalabad but also provide modern air travel facilities to surrounding districts, thereby driving broader regional development.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has formally approved the design of the Gujranwala Mass Transit System, under which a modern, integrated, and world class transport network will be established in the city. The decision was announced following a high level meeting chaired by the chief minister, where a detailed briefing was given on various aspects of the project.
During the meeting, multiple proposals were presented to ensure improved, safe, and efficient travel facilities for citizens. The chief minister directed that all areas of Gujranwala be connected to the mass transit system through feeder buses to help reduce growing traffic congestion and provide greater convenience to commuters.
Under the project, a mass transit system will be developed from Gakhar to Eminabad, covering a route of approximately 31.5 kilometres. A total of 24 stations will be constructed, including two underground stations. In principle, approval has also been granted to construct 17 to 19 kilometres of the track underground, along with two modern tunnel sections to improve traffic flow.
Additionally, depots will be established in Garjakh, Chanda Qila, and Gondlanwala, while a 62 kilometre long drainage system will be constructed along both sides of the corridor to improve water management.
A state of the art command and control centre will also be set up to ensure effective monitoring and operation of the system. According to officials, the project is expected to be completed within 12 months.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that the project would transform Gujranwala’s transport culture and provide citizens with international standard travel facilities. She reaffirmed her commitment to delivering a modern and efficient transport system that will serve as a major milestone in the city’s development.