Punjab Expands Model Village Programme to Transform Rural Infrastructure

By Muhammad Shahzad | Lahore
Lahore: The Punjab government has decided to expand its Model Village Programme, aiming to upgrade thousands of rural settlements with modern infrastructure and essential facilities.
The decision was discussed during a meeting chaired by Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique at the Civil Secretariat, where progress on the Model Village Programme and the Punjab Development Programme (PDP) was reviewed. A detailed briefing was presented by Khurram Pervez, CEO of the Punjab Rural Municipal Services Company.
Speaking on the occasion, Zeeshan Rafique said that, under the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Model Village Programme is being significantly expanded.
“Work has begun on transforming 7,500 additional villages across Punjab into model villages,” he said, adding that the initiative is part of the broader vision of a “Sohna (beautiful) Punjab,” aimed at improving living standards across the province.
The minister noted that while development schemes under the PDP are being completed in urban areas, parallel efforts are underway in rural regions through the Model Village Programme.
He said that in the first phase, essential facilities are being provided in selected villages across 10 divisions of Punjab. Emphasizing timely completion, he directed officials to ensure that development work continues without delays, including the introduction of second shifts where necessary.
Rafique also called for the use of coloured tuff tiles in villages, similar to urban development patterns in Lahore. He highlighted the rehabilitation of ponds as a “game changer” for rural communities, stating that cleaned ponds will be equipped with water treatment plants.
He added that treated wastewater could also be reused for agricultural irrigation, promoting sustainable water management practices.
The minister further said that the Local Government Department is closely monitoring PDP schemes in 51 cities, with priority being given to the construction of underground water tanks, roads, streets, and installation of street lighting.