Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has issued comprehensive directions to commissioners and deputy commissioners across all districts, stressing the urgent need for standardization, coordination, and end-to-end planning under the Punjab Development Plan (PDP) and Local Development Plan (LDP).
Addressing district administrations, the chief minister emphasized that standardization across Punjab is non-negotiable, whether it relates to PDP, LDP, or any other development initiative. She said it is the responsibility of the Chief Secretary’s office to ensure coordination so that all cities follow the same approved designs and standards. She pointed out that currently, one city often does not know what another city is doing, resulting in inconsistency and wasted resources.
Maryam Nawaz highlighted that billions of rupees are being invested in development projects, calling the funds a “huge national trust.” She stressed that development should not be limited to laying sewerage or drainage lines and then covering them with cement. Instead, every street, road, and neighborhood that is dug up must have a complete end-to-end beautification plan, including roads, footpaths, pavements, green belts, and public spaces.
She instructed officials to ensure that roads and footpaths are constructed together, as broken or incomplete footpaths undermine the impact of road development. Green belts, green spaces, and all components related to the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) must be fully integrated into every PDP and LDP project.
The chief minister also addressed the issue of electricity poles and wiring, directing that whenever new poles are installed, cables and wires must be arranged properly and symmetrically, rather than in the current haphazard manner. She further stressed the importance of underground utility corridors, stating that gas, water, and other utility lines should run through a single corridor so that future repairs do not require digging up entire streets again.
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Maryam Nawaz placed strong emphasis on street lighting, particularly in urban areas, calling it a basic necessity for public safety and convenience. She also discussed the installation of new standardized manhole covers, noting that plastic covers should be used to prevent theft. She strictly instructed commissioners and DCs to ensure that no manhole, trench, or open excavation is left uncovered, especially at night, to prevent accidents involving children and pedestrians.
She warned that manholes must be level with the road surface, not even raised by a fraction, as uneven levels have caused accidents involving motorcyclists, pedestrians, and children. Local government, housing departments, commissioners, and DCs were all directed to strictly enforce this standard.
On curb stones, the chief minister supported the use of pre-colored yellow and black curb stones instead of repeatedly painting them, to save public money and reduce maintenance costs.
Maryam Nawaz also called for the beautification of city entry and exit points, underpasses, and spaces beneath bridges, which often become garbage dumps or unsafe areas. She proposed converting these spaces into play areas for children and community spaces, stressing that public involvement in beautification projects increases ownership and sustainability.
She urged districts to create walking tracks, open-air gyms, family seating areas, food courts, and children’s play zones, turning development projects into lively public spaces that promote recreation, mental well-being, and family outings.
Finally, the chief minister announced that a separate detailed meeting will be held to audit fire safety systems, develop new SOPs, and strengthen fire prevention measures in government offices, hospitals, schools, and private establishments, especially to address risks related to short-circuiting.
She directed that all instructions be documented and shared in official district management groups, concluding with a prayer for success and effective implementation across Punjab.
