Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a special review meeting on Punjab Development Programme (PDP), during which a detailed progress report on the upgradation of streets, parks, sewerage and drainage systems in 52 cities was presented. Authorities concerned briefed her that development work in the first phase of PDP will formally begin on 19 December 2025, while major projects are expected to be completed by 30 June 2026. They apprised her that projects worth Rs166 billion have so far been approved under programme’s first-phase outlay of Rs 304 billion.
Chief Minister Punjab was further briefed that 50 tenders have been floated, out of which 10 have been finalized, paving way for the commencement of 10 major projects worth Rs 53.5 billion in a few days. She directed them to prioritize construction and rehabilitation of severely deteriorated neighbourhoods, and stressed the need for timely completion of drainage projects before arrival of monsoon season in order to mitigate urban flooding. Relevant authorities briefed her that under Punjab Development Programme, 3,497 km of sewerage lines will be laid,181 km of drainage networks will be developed and 56 new disposal stations will be constructed. They added that 61 existing disposal stations will be upgraded, increasing total water-handling capacity to 2,114 cusecs.
Officials concerned briefed Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif that Phase-I of the program covers 10 cities comprising Burewala, Khanewal, Lalamusa, Mailsi, Sillanwali, Vehari, Attock, Layyah, Alipur and Jaranwala where projects worth Rs 53 billion under PDP will be launched immediately. They added that development work will eventually expand to 43 additional cities where sewerage, drainage, parks and street-rehabilitation projects amounting to Rs 304 billion will be executed.
Chief Minister Punjab said that the programme would bring visible improvements in urban living standards, and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to ‘uniform development’ across all districts in the province.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said in her message on International Human Rights Day that Islam is the greatest advocate of human rights. She noted that the first comprehensive charter of human rights was Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW)’s farewell sermon. She added that our beloved Prophet (SAWW) did a favor to humanity by giving an unparalleled charter of human rights, as he (SAWW) gave an immortal message of human rights to all humanity. She highlighted that 10 December is a day to raise awareness about human rights that every human being has human rights beyond color, race, religion, gender or status.
Chief Minister said that respect for human rights is a cornerstone of development and prosperity of society. She added that protection and promotion of human rights is the vision and top priority of Pakistan Muslim League (N). She underscored that ensuring access to education, health, religious freedom, and freedom of expression are basic necessities, and Punjab government is actively working to uphold them.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that she wants to create a society where every citizen gets equal opportunities, justice and respect. She added that in order to protect human rights, it is necessary to promote love, respect and tolerance in society. She flagged that the provision of basic human rights is a hallmark of civilized societies, and their protection is the foremost responsibility of a state. Punjab government has taken practical steps to protect basic rights of citizens, concrete steps have been taken to eliminate forced labor, provide religious freedom and provide justice without discrimination. She said, we reiterate our commitment to protect human rights of every citizen.