Lahore Development Programme: Focus on uplifting underserved areas: minister

LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has said that Lahore Development Programme is a flagship initiative of the Punjab government aimed at uplifting underserved areas of Lahore that have remained deprived of basic facilities for decades.

Under the programme, 327 development schemes worth Rs59 billion are under way, focusing on the comprehensive rehabilitation of roads, streets, sewerage, and drainage systems across the City. To ensure transparency and maintain high construction standards, NESPAK has been engaged for third-party quality control and monitoring.

The finance minister was chairing the third meeting of the Lahore Development Programme on Friday at the Chief Minister’s Office. The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Rashid Iqbal Nasir, MPAs, and senior government officials.

‘The Lahore Development Programme is not merely about building roads and drains. It embodies the Chief Minister’s vision to provide equitable living standards and robust development opportunities for all segments of society. He added that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was personally supervising the programme to ensure its swift and effective execution.

Highlighting the broader impact, he stated that the ‘Road infrastructure plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth. Improved urban infrastructure will foster economic activity and significantly raise the standard of living for the common citizen.’

Deputy commissioner provided a detailed progress update, informing participants that in the first phase, 182 schemes are being implemented across six city zones, covering street pavement, sewerage improvements, road rehabilitation, and drainage enhancements.

During the interactive session, MPAs voiced concerns from their constituencies. They urged that street vendors should not lose their livelihoods under anti-encroachment initiatives and called for alternative arrangements to support their businesses. They also recommended that sewerage projects should be executed in a phased manner—ensuring the completion of one scheme before starting another—to minimise inconvenience for residents.

The minister directed the deputy commissioner to address the concerns raised by the elected representatives and stressed the timely completion of ongoing schemes, reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable urban development.