LAHORE, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 9th May, 2026) Punjab Minister for Local Government and Community Development (LG&CD) Zeeshan Rafique has said that development work under the “Maryam Nawaz’s Sohna Punjab” programme is progressing rapidly in 52 cities across the province, with underground water tanks at most locations entering the final stages of construction.
He made these remarks while chairing a review meeting of the Punjab Development Program (PDP) held at the Program Management Unit office, Garden Town, here on Saturday. The meeting was also attended by Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian and the Special Secretary. During the briefing, the minister was informed about ongoing development schemes being executed under the supervision of the Local Government Department in 52 cities.
Emphasising strict adherence to project timelines, Zeeshan Rafique directed that night shifts be initiated wherever required to ensure timely completion of work. He further instructed that concerned Assistant Project Directors and Municipal Officers (Infrastructure) should personally supervise all ongoing schemes to maintain quality and pace.
The minister stated that, under the PDP, lining pipe technology had been introduced in Pakistan, and its production had also commenced locally. He stressed that construction activities must be planned in view of possible disruptions during Eid-ul-Azha holidays, while also directing that maximum efforts be made to complete water tank projects before the onset of monsoon.
Zeeshan Rafique said that, on the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a comprehensive network of water storage tanks was being established in urban areas to facilitate rainwater management. He noted that roadside water tanks would help ensure immediate drainage of rainwater, thereby reducing the risk of urban flooding.
He added that the Local Government Department had achieved savings of Rs28 billion through transparent tendering under the PDP, adding that the saved funds would be reinvested in development schemes. He also announced that a fleet of modern machinery would be provided under the programme to improve municipal service delivery.
The minister said that drainage systems were being upgraded in all cities to prevent urban flooding and provide relief to citizens through an improved sewage and drainage network. He added that stored rainwater in these tanks could also be utilised when needed.
Highlighting long-term planning, Zeeshan Rafique said that a comprehensive master plan for urban development had been prepared for all cities up to 2050, adding that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was ensuring integrated infrastructure development across Punjab.
