Punjab Development Program to Boost Construction Industry and Urban Infrastructure: Minister Zeeshan Rafique

LAHORE — Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique has said that the Punjab Development Program (PDP) will play a key role in revitalizing the construction industry and creating thousands of new employment opportunities across the province.

Chairing a review meeting at the Civil Secretariat, the minister stated that hundreds of development projects would be launched simultaneously under the PDP to modernize urban infrastructure. The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Asia Gul, Secretary Local Government Board Rizwan Naseer, Additional Secretary Ahmer Kaifi, and Project Director Brigadier Asad Mahmood, who briefed participants on the progress of the program.

Rafique shared that development schemes are being prepared for 200 cities in two phases, with 52 cities included in the first phase, and that the Punjab government will invest Rs 304 billion to enhance essential public facilities.

He added that practical work will begin soon in 12 major cities, including Attock, Kamoke, Lalamusa, Khanewal, Wazirabad, Alipur Chatha, Layyah, Daska, Burewala, Mailsi, Jaranwala, and Vehari.

The minister emphasized that the PDP will offer comprehensive solutions for sewage, drainage, and urban flooding, including the construction of underground rainwater storage tanks and the restoration of roads, parks, and streetlights. He directed all municipal chief officers to ensure strict adherence to quality standards and timelines.

Rafique reiterated that the PDP has been designed with the next 25 years’ urban population needs in mind, adding that a mechanism will be developed for the regular maintenance of completed projects. He concluded that the program’s special focus on preventing urban flooding marks a major step toward sustainable urban development in Punjab.