Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the development and upgrade of 189 cities under the expansive Punjab Development Programme. The declaration came during a high-level meeting in Lahore on Wednesday, where the CM reviewed the planning and progress of the initiative.
A Vision for Modern, Livable Cities
CM Maryam emphasized in the meeting regarding the need to convert every city in Punjab into modern urban standards. “After the completion of this programme, every city should reflect beauty, order, and modernity,” she stated, setting a clear vision for sustainable urban growth and citizen-centered development.
The CM ratified the formation of a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU), which will oversee planning, coordination, and monitoring of the entire programme. This will also help to finish bureaucratic delays and give a guarantee for on-time delivery of results.
Collaboration with International Partners
The Punjab Development Programme will be carried out in collaboration with international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). These partnerships are expected to bring not only financial support but also global expertise in urban planning, project management, and sustainability.
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Breakdown of Projects:
• 15 cities to be developed under the World Bank’s Punjab Inclusive Cities Programme (PICP)
• 4 cities to benefit from the ADB-funded DREAMS-II project
• 11 cities prioritized under the Annual Development Programme (ADP)
• 144 cities included in the broader ADP for infrastructure and urban improvements
The strong emphasis of these projects will be on making improvements in
- Urban mobility
- Sanitation
- Solid waste management
- Green spaces
- Housing
- Digital connectivity
Standardization and Aesthetic Reforms
One of the most interesting aspects of the programme is the introduction of standardized bye laws for shopfronts and building facades. It is strongly intended to improve the architectural harmony and visual appeal of city landscapes. This harmonized cityscape will revitalize commercial marketplaces, captivate tourists, and foster civic pride, especially for urban spaces.
CM Maryam has given instructions to all departments to work and strongly collaborate with each other and stakeholders, urging them to prompt the execution of ratified projects. “Every delay is truly meant to affect people’s lives. We must act fast and act together,” she emphasized.
Impact: How This Will Transform Lives
The Punjab Development Programme isn’t just about concrete and steel—it’s about improving lives. Here’s how:
• Upgraded facilities: Roads, drainage, and public transport upgrades will make cities more navigable and minimize the daily struggles that a person face.
• GDP growth and macroeconomic progress: Various projects of construction and city improvements are meant to create thousands of jobs. Moreover, it will also lead to encouraging domestic commerce or strengthening local entrepreneurship.
• Improved Public Services: Public health and overall well-being of the masses are likely to be improved after providing clean drinking water and green spaces to get pleasure.
• Inclusive Growth: Smaller cities and underserved areas will finally see the development attention they’ve long needed.
• Promotes global investment: Modernized cities are considered to be the most mesmerizing to investors, opening doors to private-public partnerships and long-term sustainability.
Future: A Modern Punjab in the Making
CM Maryam’s leadership is making a huge shift in Punjab’s development narrative—one that is highly focusing on inclusive growth
- Urban modernization
- Public participation
Almost 189 cities are set for development, the Punjab of tomorrow is being built today—progressing steadily, idea by idea.
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