LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari said that development, prosperity and beautification are progressing simultaneously across Punjab under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, with the pace of development projects now significantly faster than in previous years.

She stated that development schemes are being executed at an accelerated pace in 52 cities under the Punjab Development Plan. Special priority is being given to the timely completion of water supply and sewerage projects to deal with the monsoon season to ensure that citizens do not face inconvenience during heavy rains, she added.

Azma Bokhari said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed that no excavated roads or open trenches should remain before the monsoon begins, and that all ongoing development projects must be completed within the stipulated timeframe. She added that strict implementation of safety measures was being ensured throughout the execution of these projects to safeguard the public.

The information minister further said that cities across the province were being transformed into modern and aesthetically appealing urban centers under the Punjab Beautification Plan. Public markets in all cities were also being upgraded without discrimination to meet contemporary standards and provide citizens with improved civic amenities, she added.

She noted that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is personally monitoring the Punjab Development Plan and Beautification Projects to ensure that all schemes were completed on schedule and in accordance with the highest quality standards.

Azma Bokhari said that under the Beautification Plan, beautiful parks, modern markets, and attractive city entry points had already been developed in Mandi Bahauddin, Sambrial, Chiniot, Rahim Yar Khan and Okara.

Meanwhile, beautification projects had also been completed in Sargodha, Attock, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Shakargarh, and Khushab.

She reiterated that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision is to provide every city in Punjab with modern civic facilities, high-quality infrastructure, and an attractive urban environment comparable to Lahore, ensuring that the benefits of development reach every citizen across the province equally.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026