LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Punjab Minister for Housing and Urban Development Bilal Yasin chaired an important meeting on the expansion of the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Programme, reviewing its scope, loan mechanism and targets for the next financial year. Noorul Amin Mengal and PHATA Director General Sikandar Zeeshan briefed the meeting on the structure of the programme, progress achieved so far and the proposed expansion plan. Housing Minister Bilal Yasin said loans under the programme would be provided on an interest free basis through a low cost and transparent mechanism. He said citizens would be able to obtain loans ranging from Rs500,000 to Rs1 million through an e portal for constructing a new portion, repairing a house or laying a roof. He said the programme was not limited to the construction of new houses, as it would also support the repair of dilapidated homes and improvement of basic residential facilities for low income families. The meeting was informed that interest free loans have so far been issued to 170,000 families under the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Programme. Bilal Yasin expressed the commitment that another 100,000 families would be provided interest free loans for house construction during the next financial year.

Lahore: Riaz Hussain | ReNews Pakistan Director General Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Tahir Farooq conducted a detailed visit to the Data Darbar expansion project, Bhati Chowk underpass and the underground Nasir Bagh parking plaza to review the pace, quality and progress of ongoing construction work. Advisor to the Chief Minister Punjab Zeeshan Malik accompanied him during the visit, while TEPA Chief Engineer Iqrar Hussain and project directors briefed the delegation on various projects. Officials said development work on the Data Darbar expansion project is progressing rapidly. Tile work and greenery are underway at the shrine’s plaza, while the facade upgradation of properties around Data Darbar is also being carried out at a fast pace. Finishing work on the parking area, toilet block and pedestrian underpass is also continuing simultaneously. Advisor to the Chief Minister Punjab Zeeshan Malik appreciated the development work around the Data Darbar expansion project and said the completion of the project and Bhati Chowk underpass would provide major convenience to visitors and citizens by improving access, safety and mobility. Officials briefed that work is underway simultaneously on both ramps of the Bhati Chowk underpass, while construction on the underpass barrel and retaining walls is being carried out round the clock. DG LDA Tahir Farooq directed the authorities concerned to further accelerate work on the Bhati Chowk underpass so citizens can benefit from the facility at the earliest. Later, the DG LDA visited the underground Nasir Bagh parking plaza, where he was informed that nearly 65 percent of the project has been completed. According to the briefing, the grey structure of Basement Two has been completed, while work on Basement One is currently underway. The complete roof of Basement One is expected to be laid in the coming days. Tahir Farooq reviewed the construction quality of the parking plaza in detail and directed that the parking management system, signage, fire alarm system and other safety arrangements be installed in line with international standards to provide citizens with a modern and secure parking facility. He also instructed officials to ensure strict implementation of safety SOPs during construction activities in the monsoon season to protect workers and the public. At the end of the visit, DG LDA Tahir Farooq planted a sapling at Nasir Bagh under the ongoing plantation campaign. Officials said more than 1,000 saplings would be planted in Nasir Bagh to promote greenery and improve the city’s environment.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan With the support of the Green Pakistan Initiative, barren land is being converted into cultivable farmland through modern corporate farming, marking an important step toward agricultural development, rural economic revival and export growth in Pakistan. According to Arsalan Alawala, representative of Techno Agri and Foods, land reforms under the Green Pakistan Initiative have provided corporate groups with an opportunity to contribute to the revival of the rural economy. He said Techno Agri and Foods has started corporate farming on 950 acres near Khushab and Mianwali. The project aims to make uncultivated land productive through modern farming methods and increase agricultural output in the country. Arsalan Alawala said the company’s key objective is to transform Pakistan’s barren lands into cultivable areas and compete with modern agricultural countries. He added that Rhodes grass is being cultivated on a 260 acre block through a central pivot irrigation system, with exports expected to help generate valuable foreign exchange. He said the existing 950 acre pilot project is planned to be expanded to 5,000 acres and beyond. According to him, the Green Pakistan Initiative has allowed corporate groups to take part in the rural economy, which could add significant long term value to Pakistan. Experts believe that the Green Pakistan Initiative, through modern agricultural technology, corporate investment and productive use of barren land, can open new avenues for agricultural growth in Pakistan.