LAHORE(National times)- Punjab has reached a major milestone in governance and development, achieving record savings of Rs120 billion for the first time in the province’s history. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired a six-hour performance review meeting where all departments presented their project details, timelines, and results. According to the government, Punjab is pushing ahead with major initiatives in clean drinking water, jobs, housing, roads, and industrial development, marking what officials call a “new chapter of progress.” A key decision was to launch the Thal Expressway Project, aimed at reducing distances, ending regional deprivation, and connecting underdeveloped areas with major economic routes. The expressway is expected to open doors to new jobs as 20,000 roads are planned across Punjab, potentially improving the lives of 50,000 families.
The province is also set to rebuild and repair over 30,000 km of roads, while a historic project of 100-year-life plastic sewerage lines has been launched to improve sanitation and sustainability. Punjab’s rural areas will see a “housing revolution” through 440 Model Villages, targeted for completion by December 2026. These villages will include clean water systems, drainage, parks, and essential amenities. For the first time, Punjab will begin construction of 115,000 homes under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar programme. The province has also approved Pakistan’s first Salt Village, and agreed to establish a unique Pharmaceutical Zone, expected to boost the medicine industry and job creation. Under the housing project, the government recorded 100% loan repayment in phase one. WASA centres have increased from 5 to 19, and by year-end, every citizen will have access to clean water services. To secure the province’s water future, the government will install 1,000 recharge wells and more than 100 underground water storage tanks. Meanwhile, 5,500 water filtration plants across Punjab are now fully functional and monitored regularly. Another 4,500 plants will be installed in schools, hospitals, and police stations.
The government also approved a unified helpline for WASA, PHA, and other civic services. The first ballot for Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar in 21 cities across 19 districts will be held soon. Additionally, every new petrol pump and service area in Punjab must now include electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The government set June deadlines for completing the Vehari–Multan Road, while 10 interchanges will be built at the Jhelum and Chenab bridges. Surveys for underpasses and overhead crossings at railway gates have also been ordered. Punjab’s first Garment City has been completed and is attracting strong investor interest. The government approved a key policy to cancel industrial plots if factories are not built within two years. Under Asaan Karobar Card and Asaan Karobar Finance, the province will provide Rs60 billion in loans to support economic activity. Another 110,000 small businesses will receive support, with 40% loans reserved for new ventures. Punjab has achieved record savings of Rs120 billion as CM Maryam Nawaz introduced major governance reforms. New projects include Model Villages, Thal Expressway, 30,000 km of roads, 115,000 houses, water security initiatives, filtration plants, and strong support for small businesses and industry.