Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a comprehensive initiative to transform the province’s overall outlook by changing the ‘first impression’ of all cities.

The CM chaired an important meeting to review progress on the Punjab and Lahore Development Plan.

Chief minister directed that entry and exit points of cities across Punjab be developed as aesthetically designed gateways. She ordered geo-tagging of every development project, with city beautification to be personally monitored by her office.

Maryam Nawaz instructed authorities to develop mini parks and play areas beneath overhead bridges and ensured that roads must be fully reconstructed and restored after excavation for sewerage and drainage projects. She emphasized that citizens should no longer suffer from dust and debris caused by development work.

Deputy commissioners were directed to cover all open manholes in their respective cities and ensure geo-tagging of development projects. Officials briefed the meeting that Phase One of the Development Plan has been successfully completed, while work on Phase Two is underway.

To strengthen oversight, the chief minister ordered the establishment of control rooms and management cells in every DC office to monitor Punjab Development Projects (PDP). It was informed that transparency in Phase One resulted in savings of Rs 280 million.

Under the Punjab Development Project, development schemes worth Rs 23.4 billion are currently underway in seven cities. Sewerage, disposal, drainage and water storage tank projects are being executed in Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan, Gujrat and Jhang, while trunk sewerage systems, new disposal stations and rainwater drainage projects are being developed in Jhelum, Hafizabad and Okara.

A total of 526 machinery units will be provided for sewerage and drainage systems under the project. In Phase Two, similar infrastructure and development projects will be completed in eight additional cities.

Maryam Nawaz directed that all excavation sites be properly fenced and covered, stressing that manhole levels must not exceed road surfaces even by a millimeter to prevent accidents. She emphasized that development standards must remain uniform across Punjab, with footpaths and roadside tiles installed in consistent designs and colors.

The chief minister further ordered the creation of green belts and green spaces in every city and directed that a single utility corridor be developed to avoid repeated digging of entire neighborhoods. Electricity poles are to be placed at the extreme edges of roads, and after beautification, all wiring must be neatly organized with no hanging cables visible. She also ordered the installation of streetlights in tehsils.

Maryam Nawaz announced the introduction of standardized, durable manhole covers made from modern plastic-like material. She instructed that yellow and black stones be installed along footpaths instead of paint, stressing that the government fully understands public needs and is committed to improving the environment. Plans also include open-air gyms, walking tracks, entertainment centers, benches and small food courts.

She further directed audits of fire safety systems in both public and private buildings. Deputy commissioners from Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar, Vehari, Wazirabad, Sheikhupura and Kasur presented briefings on PDP progress.