Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP), in its 71st meeting of the current fiscal year, approved 12 major development schemes with a cumulative estimated cost of Rs31 billion, signaling a continued focus on infrastructure expansion, healthcare improvement, and long-term transport planning in Punjab.
The meeting, held in Lahore, was chaired by Dr Naeem Rauf, Chairman of the Planning and Development Board Punjab. It was attended by senior officials including Secretary P&D Rafaqat Ali, Chief Economist of P&DB, board members, and representatives from various departments.
Among the approved infrastructure projects, a major road development scheme includes the widening and improvement of the route from Gujranwala Bypass (Awan Chowk) to M-2 Khanqah Dogran Interchange via Anjianwala Link and Nowshera Virkan. The 66 kilometre project in Gujranwala district (Phase-I) has been approved at a cost of Rs1.95 billion. Another key project involves the construction of a 4.10-kilometre dual carriageway linking Fateh Jang/Dhullian/Talagang Road to Khararal in Attock district, with an estimated cost of Rs2.24 billion. Additionally, the widening of Kashmiri Bazaar has been approved at a revised cost of over Rs6.03 billion.
In the healthcare sector, the PDWP approved the expansion of critical services in tertiary care hospitals across Punjab, including the addition of 150 ICU beds equipped with ventilators and essential accessories, at a cost of Rs1.49 billion.
Several projects under the PPIC-III programme were also revised and approved for major cities, including Rawalpindi (Rs5.86 billion), Faisalabad (Rs4.83 billion), Gujranwala (Rs4.51 billion), Multan (Rs924 million), and Sargodha (Rs1.04 billion), reflecting the government’s focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
The meeting also approved feasibility studies for future rail development. These include seed money allocations for establishing regional railway tracks across Punjab (Rs1.39 billion) and a high-speed rail project between Lahore and Rawalpindi (Rs823.99 million), highlighting the province’s long-term vision for modern and efficient transportation systems.
Furthermore, the Punjab Rural Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Project was discussed, particularly regarding the provision of incentive allowances, as part of broader efforts to improve rural infrastructure and public services.
Officials described the approvals as part of the provincial government’s ongoing commitment to balanced development, improved service delivery, and sustainable economic growth across Punjab.

Pattoki: [Sadaf Arshad District Coordinator ReNews Pakistan]
A fire broke out in a foam warehouse in pattoki due to a short circuit. The fire could not be controlled in time, causing it to spread and damage nearby shops, resulting in financial losses for local shopkeepers.
According to shopkeepers and residents, the rescue team did not arrive promptly, and firefighting arrangements were inadequate, which allowed the fire to intensify and spread further.
The affected individuals have appealed to the concerned authorities to take notice of the incident, improve emergency response services, and ensure better safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Lahore : Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan
Director General Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Tahir Farooq visited the Data Darbar Extension Project and Bhati Chowk Underpass, where he reviewed the pace and quality of ongoing development work in detail.
During the visit, Chief Engineer TEPA Iqrar Hussain and the Project Director briefed the DG LDA on the progress of the projects. They informed that construction activities on both projects are progressing rapidly, and 34% of the Bhati Chowk Underpass has been completed so far, while construction of retaining walls is also moving forward at a fast pace.
The briefing further highlighted that the pedestrian underpass linked with the Data Darbar Extension Project has entered the finishing phase, with completion works being carried out swiftly. Additionally, work on the parking area and plaza of Data Darbar has also been accelerated.
DG LDA Tahir Farooq inspected the finishing works of the pedestrian underpass on site and reviewed all aspects of the project. He directed the concerned authorities to ensure high construction quality and strictly implement safety measures during the execution of work.
Officials from TEPA, NESPAK, and the contractor team were also present on the occasion. Later, the DG LDA also inspected ongoing development works around the Railway Station and expressed satisfaction over the progress.