LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has made significant progress on its Rs 61.12 billion “Model Villages Project”, with the tendering process now completed and 485 villages formally approved for inclusion in the major rural development programme. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also directed the relevant departments to accelerate implementation and ensure that the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe. According to government sources, Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique has been assigned responsibility for overseeing the timely completion of the project. The chief minister has instructed authorities to complete development work in 40 selected villages on a priority basis during the first phase so that rural communities can begin benefiting from the initiative at the earliest. Under the project, basic public facilities and rural infrastructure across Punjab will be upgraded in line with modern development standards. The planned works include the provision of clean drinking water, modern drainage systems, wastewater treatment plants, recreational parks for children, streetlights, and the construction and rehabilitation of streets and roads. Officials said development contracts for 463 of the 485 villages have been successfully finalised. Fresh tenders will be issued for the remaining 22 villages to ensure that the contracts are awarded through a transparent and competitive process. The Punjab government said the Model Villages Project is a key component of its broader rural development strategy. Around 3.4 million rural residents are expected to benefit from improved infrastructure, a healthier living environment and better access to modern public services. The initiative is also expected to improve living standards, stimulate local economic activity, create employment opportunities and support sustainable development across rural Punjab.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the district administration of Diamer to implement livelihood development schemes worth PKR 972.571 million in communities surrounding the Diamer Bhasha Dam project. The initiative forms part of the project's broader Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), which are designed to enhance the socio-economic well-being of local residents while strengthening community participation in one of Pakistan's largest hydropower and water storage projects. The agreement was signed by General Manager and Project Director of the Diamer Bhasha Dam Project, Dr. Engr. Nazakat Hussain, and Deputy Commissioner Diamer, Lt. (Retd.) Muhammad Owais Abbasi, in the presence of Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Secretary Arshad Majeed. WAPDA said the partnership reflects the authority's commitment to ensuring that communities directly affected by the mega project receive sustainable economic and social benefits alongside national infrastructure development. Under the agreement, the livelihood schemes will be executed through the relevant government departments under the supervision of the Diamer district administration. The implementation process will also involve close consultation with local communities to ensure that projects address their priority needs and contribute to long-term economic opportunities. To ensure transparency, accountability and quality standards, a joint oversight committee comprising representatives from the district administration, WAPDA and local community members will supervise the implementation of the schemes. The committee will monitor project execution, review progress and ensure that development activities are completed efficiently and in accordance with approved standards. According to WAPDA, the livelihood programme is part of a much larger socio-economic development initiative under the Diamer Bhasha Dam Project, for which PKR 78.5 billion has been allocated. The authority said the investment is intended to improve the quality of life of people living in the project area through investments in infrastructure, education, energy and community development. WAPDA highlighted that several major development initiatives have already been completed under this programme, including the Thore Hydel Power Station, Thak Hydel Power Station, and Cadet College Chilas. These projects have contributed to expanding electricity access, improving educational facilities and supporting broader regional development. The Diamer Bhasha Dam remains one of Pakistan's most significant strategic infrastructure projects, expected to substantially increase the country's water storage capacity, strengthen hydropower generation and enhance water security while promoting long-term economic growth and sustainable development in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] The Punjab government has launched an urgent repair and reconstruction drive for 135 structurally unsafe government school buildings across Lahore, directing education authorities to complete critical rehabilitation work as quickly as possible to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school staff. According to the Punjab Education Department, the initiative follows concerns over the deteriorating condition of several government school buildings, many of which have become unsafe due to years of wear and delayed maintenance. Officials said the rehabilitation programme had been postponed last year following changes in government policy, leaving a significant number of repair and reconstruction projects incomplete. A spokesperson for the department stated that authorities have now prioritized the pending works, with most repair activities scheduled to be completed during the ongoing summer vacations. The timeline has been designed to minimize disruption to academic activities while ensuring that schools are safe and fully functional before students return for the new term. The decision also comes after multiple incidents of roof collapses and structural failures in aging school buildings raised serious concerns about student safety. To assess the situation comprehensively, the Education Department's Strategic Management Unit carried out a fresh survey to identify buildings requiring immediate intervention. The assessment helped determine the schools most in need of urgent repairs, reconstruction, and structural strengthening. Officials confirmed that, in addition to restoring unsafe buildings, the government is also undertaking rehabilitation projects and constructing additional classrooms to accommodate growing student enrolment and improve learning facilities across the city. With the arrival of the monsoon season, construction and repair activities have been accelerated to reduce potential risks associated with heavy rainfall and aging infrastructure. Authorities emphasized that all necessary measures are being taken to create a safer educational environment and prevent accidents caused by deteriorating school buildings. The Education Department reaffirmed its commitment to completing the rehabilitation programme within the planned timeframe, ensuring that government schools provide secure, modern, and conducive learning environments for students throughout Lahore.