LAHORE: The Punjab government has launched development schemes in 11 cities as part of Maryam Nawaz’s Sohna (beautiful) Punjab’ Programme. This initiative is included under the Punjab Development Programme, which is set to expand to 51 out of 52 cities this month. The programme inaugurated in 17 more cities, with the remaining 13 cities scheduled for inauguration on January 26. In this context, Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique chaired a meeting on Thursday to review the Punjab Development Programme (PDP). The meeting included MPA Saqib Khurshid, Punjab Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Special Secretary Asia Gul, Project Director Brigadier Asad Mahmood (retd), Local Government Board Secretary Tariq Masood Faruka, and Additional Secretary Ahmer Sohail Kaifi. Municipal Officers of Infrastructure (MOIs) from across Punjab participated via video link. The minister requested an average analytical report from each MOI, highlighting that work is starting simultaneously on 50 parks and 50 wastewater treatment plants. He noted that the total length of underground water tanks under this project will be 78 kilometres. During the meeting, Rafique expressed optimism that the ‘Maryam Nawaz Ka Sohna Punjab’ project would transform the cities. He stated, “On one hand, the PDP will provide relief to the people, and on the other hand, it will stimulate economic activities in Punjab.” He urged manufacturing companies to establish plants in every divisional headquarters to ensure a continuous supply of pipes and emphasised that all work should follow the directives issued by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He directed the MOIs to prioritise the construction of underground tanks before the rainy season, ensuring they monitor contractor performance and implement double shifts for expedited progress. “We will achieve our targets by working diligently,” he affirmed. Rafique also mentioned that water recharge wells would be constructed under the PDP to enhance groundwater levels. He pointed out that a master plan for the entire province has been developed through the PDP, which will be beneficial in the long run. The scope of the PDP will be expanded to 200 cities in phases, with contracts being awarded transparently through e-tendering. He cautioned that departmental action would be taken if any encroachments obstructing the schemes are not removed promptly, stating, “All areas where rainwater collects should be addressed.” Copyright Business Recorder, 2026