LAHORE: Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Punjab Bilal Yasin has said that the declaration of an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is not something to celebrate; rather, it reflects the current political and administrative issues in the region.
He described the situation as unfortunate and emphasised that it requires serious attention. He expressed these views while talking to the media here on Wednesday after handing over the seventh fleet, comprising 46 new and modern machines, to WASA Punjab Director General Tayyab Fareed.
He further said preventing the rapidly increasing terrorist activities was the responsibility of the relevant government and administration, adding that effective measures against terrorism were vital to ensure peace and stability, and national security must remain the top priority. “Effective measures had been taken to combat terrorism during the tenure of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government.
The country’s brave personnel had made immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, and ridiculing their martyrdom was unacceptable. Respecting the sacrifices of martyrs was the responsibility of every Pakistani.”
The Minister added that the interests of any political party or group could not be placed above Pakistan’s integrity and national security; political differences notwithstanding, there should be no compromise on national stability, peace and security.
According to him, KP should move towards development, peace and public welfare rather than political confrontation and administrative challenges. All relevant stakeholders must fulfil their responsibilities to improve public services and combat terrorism. In contrast, Punjab is focused on development and public welfare, not political disorder.
He said that, under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab Housing Department was pursuing initiatives aimed at provincial development and public welfare. The government’s priority was to provide practical relief to citizens and improve urban facilities, he added.
He also said that the government were responding to criticism through its performance rather than mocking its opponents. “The focus in Punjab remained on development projects, improved urban services and public welfare initiatives. Public service, practical measures and timely completion of development projects were among the government’s key priorities. The provision of modern machinery to various districts was also part of this vision, aimed at improving urban services and ensuring better facilities for the people of Punjab.”
Earlier, while addressing the event, the Minister said that the machinery will be provided to Sheikhupura, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Gujrat and Nankana Sahib, among other districts. “On the directions of the Chief Minister, the provision of modern machinery to various districts of Punjab is underway to improve drainage systems and urban facilities. Machinery had already been dispatched to 15 districts, including Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Okara, Jhang and Jhelum. The provision of modern machinery aims to improve the efficiency of drainage systems, enhance urban services and strengthen arrangements for rainwater drainage. The provision of modern machinery would enhance the operational capacity of WASA at the local level and help provide better services and relief to citizens.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026