Islamabad, May 20, 2025: For the first time in Punjab’s history, a sitting chief minister has directly approved an annual development blueprint spanning 12 districts.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in a marathon six-hour session, set a bold precedent by personally overseeing the progress of the Punjab development program — marking a significant step toward urban renewal, infrastructure expansion, and economic upliftment.
Punjab Development Program: Major Highlights
Crackdown on Encroachments and Urban Beautification
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized restoring public land and urban beauty as key pillars of the development plan.
Reclaimed government land will now be safeguarded through 24/7 CCTV surveillance.
Moreover, these spaces will be transformed into green urban forests and sports zones to promote community health and recreation. The anti-encroachment drive reflects the government’s zero-tolerance policy on land misuse.
Modern Infrastructure: Lighting, Roads & Rickshaw Stops
Punjab’s cities are set for a major facelift with the construction of standardized rickshaw terminals across all urban areas. Key roads, bazaars, and marketplaces will undergo extension projects to ease congestion.
Solar-powered street lights and themed lighting will adorn overhead bridges, making nighttime commutes safer and aesthetically pleasing.
Public Transport & Market Shifts to Ease Congestion
In an effort to declutter city centers, wholesale markets — including those for grains, fruits, and vegetables — will be shifted outside dense areas.
Faisalabad, in particular, will benefit from a wider rollout of electric vehicle (EV) services, and the iconic Ghanta Ghar will receive a complete makeover to boost tourism and local trade.
Preserving Heritage, Reviving Glory
A notable aspect of the Punjab development program is its focus on preserving the province’s architectural heritage.
Key projects include the restoration of Rawalpindi’s Raja Bazaar, Sahiwal’s Saddar Bazaar, and Pakpattan’s central market.
Sialkot’s historical landmarks — the Sialkot Fort and Allama Iqbal’s birthplace, Iqbal Manzil — are also slated for conservation.
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City-Specific Revamps: From Multan to Bahawalpur
Each major district will receive tailored projects:
- Multan: 22 new bus stops, renovation of Wali Muhammad Mosque, and expansion of Chowk Ghanta Ghar.
- DG Khan: Construction of Shah Sikandar Road and creation of local sports hubs.
- Bahawalpur: Beautification of Fareed Gate, Al-Sadiq Mosque, and a new food street initiative.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed her commitment to smart, sustainable urban growth. “Eradicating encroachments and ensuring long-term infrastructure development are my top priorities,” she asserted during the session.
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The involvement of all district commissioners and deputy commissioners signals a province-wide alignment toward a shared development vision.
