The Punjab government has launched practical measures to prevent short circuits and fatal accidents caused by hazardous overhead power cables, with Lahore selected for the first phase of a comprehensive underground cabling initiative.
Chairing a special meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved a citywide plan to remove dangling and unsafe electricity wires, directing that a pilot project be completed in the inner city ahead of Basant to avert any untoward incidents during the festival.
The meeting reviewed proposals to divide Lahore into three zones for phased underground cabling. A principle decision was also taken to make underground electricity supply mandatory in all new housing schemes. The chief minister directed authorities to ensure alternative arrangements for internet and other affected services during the cabling process.
Seeking a permanent solution to fires and loss of life caused by short circuits, CM Maryam Nawaz called for an emergency safety plan to address electrical hazards across the province.
Briefing the meeting, LESCO officials said approximately 40,000 kilometres of electricity wires and 50,000 kilometres of internet cables are spread across Lahore.
Referring to recent tragedies, the chief minister said the government wanted to prevent incidents like the Karachi Gul Plaza fire, stressing that public safety was a fundamental responsibility of the state. She noted that exposed power cables often become a cause of accidents during rainfall, posing serious risks to citizens.
“Dangling electricity wires are not only visually unpleasant but a constant threat to human lives,” she said.
A steering committee has been constituted on the chief minister’s directions to oversee the initiative. The committee includes Provincial Minister Faisal Khokhar, representatives from LESCO, housing and local government departments, and senior administrative officers.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said the provincial government remains steadfast in prioritising education, calling it the foundation of peace, progress, and sustainable development.
In a message on World Education Day, the chief minister added that education is universally recognized as essential for national development and said providing modern learning opportunities for youth remains a key focus of the Punjab government. She said that skilled, enlightened, resilient, and educated youth are the true architects of the nation’s future.
CM Maryam Nawaz highlighted key initiatives, describing the Honhaar Scholarship Programme as a ray of hope for students across the province. She also noted that the CM Laptop Scheme is facilitating access to modern knowledge and technology for students. She added that innovations are being introduced in schools, colleges, and universities, while curricula are being aligned with modern educational standards. Students are also being exposed to emerging fields such as artificial intelligence from early grades.
Referring to institutional reforms, the chief minister said the Nawaz Sharif Centre of Excellence for Early Education has emerged as a model initiative. She further stated that IT and technical education are now aligned with market-based needs to enhance employability and practical skills.
CM Maryam Nawaz said investing in education is an investment in the future of Punjab and Pakistan.