CM reviews progress on PDP, LDP

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting via video link with deputy commissioners across the province to review progress on the “Punjab Development Plan” (PDP) and the Lahore Development Plan(LDP). According to a briefing, work on critical, most critical and non-critical components is progressing rapidly. Approximately 40 per cent of the most critical work has been completed in 52 cities. The first phase of the Lahore Development Plan has been completed, while 76 percent work on Phase-II has been completed. The Chief Minister directed that the plan for Phase-III be presented, adding that Phase-II would be completed by the end of June. It was further informed that, for the first time in history, 16, 410 streets in Lahore are being upgraded and beautified, with 60 streets being improved in a single day. The meeting was also briefed on progress under the Punjab Development Plan, under which drainage work for rainwater has reached an average of 40 percent completion in 52 cities. In Kamalia, 70 percent of storm water drainage work has been completed, while Gojra stands at 65 percent. In Toba Tek Singh and Chichawatni, 55 percent of critical work has been completed, while Joharabad and Jalalpur Jattan have achieved 44 percent completion in drainage schemes. The Chief Minister was informed that work has begun on the provision of machinery worth Rs6. 6 billion, including 46 suction machines, 45 jetting machines, 100 dewatering sets and 77 desilting machines. The machinery will be supplied to 52 cities by the end of June. The CM directed authorities to ensure foolproof arrangements ahead of the early monsoon season, warning that no negligence would be tolerated. She stressed the need to complete preparations in advance and ensure implementation of safety protocols. Reviewing the Lahore Development Plan, the Chief Minister was informed that targets set within timelines had largely been achieved, with remaining work continuing. Weekly progress reports were presented during the meeting. Under Phase-I, additional streets will be upgraded, including sewerage work and installation of tuff tiles and coloured tiles. The Chief Minister reviewed pictorial evidence of upgraded streets and expressed satisfaction. She remarked on the previously poor condition of many streets, stating that they resembled “filthy cattle sheds, ” adding that residents, particularly mothers, had long suffered due to stagnant water, foul smell and lack of access. The briefing noted that 85pc of the Ichhra Bazaar upgradation project has been completed and will be finalised within the current month. The Chief Minister expressed her intent to personally inaugurate the upgraded market, recalling her visits there during childhood and warning that neglect could have led to the loss of a historic marketplace. Emphasising accountability, CM Punjab said the era of “eye wash” was over. “You have been empowered; delivering results is now your responsibility, ” she told officials. She directed all Deputy Commissioners to identify development gaps in their districts and prepare comprehensive plans for the next fiscal year, including hiring consultants where necessary. The Chief Minister also ordered immediate repair and upgradation of service roads across the province, directing deputy commissioners to personally monitor clean water supply, beautification drives and the Model Village Programme. She instructed that roads dug up for development work must be restored without delay, stating that inconvenience to the public was unacceptable and incomplete projects would not be tolerated. The Lahore Development Authority was directed to eliminate potholes and lay fresh asphalt layers. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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