Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday chaired a detailed video-link meeting with deputy commissioners across the province to review progress on the Punjab Development Plan and the Lahore Development Plan, with a strong focus on infrastructure uplift, drainage systems, and urban beautification.
During the briefing, it was informed that work on critical, most critical, and non-critical components of development schemes is progressing at a fast pace across Punjab. Around 40 per cent of the most critical work in 51 cities has already been completed, reflecting steady implementation of the provincial development agenda.
For Lahore, officials confirmed that the first phase of the Lahore Development Plan has been fully completed, while 76 per cent of Phase II work has been finalized, with completion targeted by the end of June. The Chief Minister directed that planning for Phase III be presented without delay, underscoring continuity of development momentum.
It was highlighted that, for the first time in history, 16,410 streets in Lahore are being upgraded and beautified, with an average pace of 60 streets improved per day under ongoing works.
Under the broader Punjab Development Plan, rainwater drainage systems have reached 40 per cent completion in 51 cities. In key urban centres, progress includes 70 per cent in Kamalia, 65 per cent in Gojra, 55 per cent in Toba Tek Singh and Chichawatni, and 44 per cent in Joharabad and Jalalpur Jattan.
The meeting was also briefed that machinery worth Rs6.6 billion is being procured, including suction machines, jetting units, dewatering sets, and desilting equipment, which will be deployed across 52 cities by the end of June to strengthen municipal response systems.
The CM directed authorities to ensure foolproof monsoon preparedness, warning that any negligence would not be tolerated. She stressed advance completion of all preventive measures and strict implementation of safety protocols.
Reviewing the Lahore Development Plan, she was informed that most targets have been achieved within set timelines, while remaining works continue under weekly monitoring. She expressed satisfaction over visible improvements in upgraded streets, including sewerage rehabilitation, tuff tile installation, and improved drainage.
She noted that 85 per cent of the Ichhra Bazaar upgradation project has been completed and directed its finalisation within the current month, expressing her intent to inaugurate the project personally.
Emphasising accountability, Maryam Nawaz said the era of superficial performance was over. She instructed deputy commissioners to identify development gaps, prepare next-year plans, and ensure field monitoring of water supply, sanitation, and beautification initiatives. She further ordered immediate restoration of dug-up roads, elimination of potholes, fresh carpeting of roads, and complete upgradation of both service lanes along Ferozepur Road.
Issuing strict directions ahead of the monsoon and Eidul Azha sanitation operation, the CM ordered 100 per cent preparedness, warning that no negligence or excuse would be accepted. She also instructed immediate clearance of debris and plastic waste after storms and directed officers to remain actively present in the field to ensure cleanliness and service delivery.
She directed all departments to implement instructions in letter and spirit, stressing that performance would be strictly monitored at every level.