LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has authorized the launch of billions of rupees in development projects funded entirely by local resources, operating under the new mandate: “The district whose revenue is, develops it.”
During a high-level meeting with divisional commissioners, the Chief Minister reviewed detailed resource assessments and project proposals for Sahiwal, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Multan divisions, emphasizing that administrative authority must be matched by on-ground accountability.
She sternly warned against “eyewash” tactics, directing officials to move beyond air-conditioned offices and ensure tangible relief for citizens, while also ordering strict legal action against private housing societies responsible for open manholes following the tragic death of a three-year-old girl in Faisalabad.
Key Development Allocations and Targets
The meeting resulted in the approval of specific, high-impact projects across the province, with a unified deadline of September 2026 for completion:
| Division | Total Budget (Local Funds) | Key Projects & Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Sahiwal | Rs 4 Billion | Construction of 10 major roads (18.8 km), including Farm-to-Market and Harappa Road; mandatory footpaths; 17 schemes including solar street lights and urban beautification. |
| Sargodha | Rs 2.8 Billion | Beautification of Motorway entry points; pedestrian bridges; Safe City cameras; improvements to the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology access; family parks in Quaidabad and Darya Khan. |
| Faisalabad | Rs 5.3 Billion | 59 schemes including 38 roads (81 km); upgradation of Jhang Road Bypass; modernization of industrial estates in Toba Tek Singh and Gojra; street lighting on Jhang Road. |
| Multan | Rs 3 Billion | 28 schemes covering road upgrades from Ghanta Ghar to Chungi No. 9; doubling of Askari Bypass; construction of bus stands in Kabirwala and Talamba; sports stadium upgrades in Mailsi. |
Maryam Nawaz reiterated that merit and quality will be the sole criteria for project execution, explicitly rejecting nepotism or political recommendations.
She instructed commissioners to act as the “eyes, ears, and arms” of the government, ensuring that construction sites are cordoned off per safety SOPs and that government and private schools undergo rigorous structural inspections.
