Maryam Nawaz’s Sohna Punjab: LG dept launches schemes in 51 cities

LAHORE: Under “Maryam Nawaz’s Sohna (Beautiful) Punjab Programme,” the Local Government Department has launched development schemes simultaneously in 51 cities across the province.

Work has been awarded for all cities in the first phase of the Punjab Development Programme (PDP). The progress was reviewed during a meeting chaired by Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique.

Project Director Ahmer Sohail Kaifi briefed the meeting on the progress of the schemes. Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Special Secretary Asia Gul, and experts from the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) and NESPAK attended the meeting, while municipal officers (Infrastructure) from the relevant cities joined via video link.

Zeeshan Rafique said the Local Government Department had been entrusted with development work in 52 cities under the PDP.

“The feasibility study for one city, Kharian, has been handed over to the Irrigation Department, while development work has begun in the remaining 51 cities,” he said. He said the construction of 324 roadside and 34 underground storage tanks is among the key priorities of the chief minister. “These tanks will help control urban flooding and ensure adequate water storage,” he added.

According to the minister, roadside tanks will have a storage capacity of 62 million gallons, while underground tanks will store 32 million gallons of water. He said the tanks are being constructed using specialised designs to facilitate rainwater drainage and recharge underground water reservoirs.

The minister told the meeting that the chief minister had directed the use of lining pipes in PDP schemes.

“The lining pipe technology has been introduced in Pakistan for the first time. Installation of lining pipe plants at designated locations is in progress,” he said. He also directed officials to ensure that the construction of the storage tanks is completed before the upcoming monsoon season.

Under the PDP, 181 kilometres of drains are being constructed for rainwater drainage. The total length of sewers under the programme is 3,500 kilometres, while 2,600 kilometres of roads and streets will also be developed, he added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026