LAHORE: Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique has announced the approval of 16 schemes worth Rs 32 billion for the walled city. These projects will focus on drainage, maintenance of the city wall, the development of a circular garden, and the restoration of the Neela Gumband area.
Minister Rafique said while chairing a meeting to review the progress of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) schemes associated with the local government department.
Punjab Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian and Additional Secretary Quratulain provided updates during the session. The meeting also assessed various initiatives under the Lahore Historical Heritage Protection and Development Project (LHAR).
Rafique mentioned that the LHAR will include the construction of new parking plazas and underground electricity infrastructure. Additionally, underground parking and arcades will be created near the Mughal-era Shalamar Gardens and Nasir Bagh. He instructed the Walled City Lahore Authority to ensure the protection and preservation of the ancient historical and cultural heritage while executing these projects.
Emphasising the need to adhere to the timelines outlined in the Punjab Development Programme (PDP) and the Murree Development Programme (MDP), he urged careful consideration of the instructions and vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in all ongoing public welfare initiatives.
Referring to projects under the Chief Minister’s District Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) programme, he noted that 2,800 schemes had been successfully completed in the last financial year at a cost of Rs 52 billion. All these SDGs initiatives were initiated last year and finished within the same year.
Furthermore, he reported that 32 schemes were completed for a total of Rs 2.6 billion under the Murree Development Programme, and work is ongoing on rainwater storage and upgrading projects along Mall Road in Murree.
The Minister also highlighted that under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s Model Village Programme, sewerage and drainage schemes will be implemented in 800 villages.
This initiative, which includes water supply schemes and the restoration of traditional water ponds, is projected to cost Rs 60 billion. Initially, 550 villages in Punjab have been selected for the Model Village Programme, which will also involve the construction of children’s parks and the paving of dirt streets in these villages.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025