Islamabad, Feb 10: The Punjab government is set to introduce the Punjab Spatial Planning Authority (PSPA), a key initiative aimed at regulating urban growth and land use through master and spatial planning. The bill for its establishment will be presented in the Punjab Assembly following approval by the cabinet.
A senior official has revealed that the Chief Minister is prioritizing organized urban expansion and has instructed authorities to accelerate the process as part of broader governance reforms. This move is aimed at ensuring more controlled and sustainable urban development across the province.
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According to the draft bill, the Chief Minister will serve as chairperson of the PSPA, with the local government minister as vice-chairperson. The authority will also comprise secretaries from key departments, along with five appointed experts. The PSPA director general, who will be appointed by the Chief Minister, will act as the secretary of the authority.
The PSPA’s responsibilities will include overseeing spatial planning, zoning, and land-use policies. The authority will ensure that development projects align with approved regulations, enforce building controls, and monitor land-use compliance across the province. It will also conduct research, publish reports, and engage urban planning experts to support effective city planning and development.
At the local level, a district-level agency will assist in implementing the PSPA’s plans, with deputy commissioners leading the execution in their respective districts. The PSPA director general will be responsible for managing operations and ensuring the enforcement of policies at all levels of governance.
This new initiative is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of urbanization in Punjab and ensuring that development happens in a well-organized and sustainable manner.
