Lahore | ReNews Pakistan

The Punjab government has approved a pilot project to transform 120 villages across the province into model settlements, focusing on improved rural infrastructure, sanitation and basic public services.

The initiative aims to upgrade existing villages through the development of sewerage systems, drainage networks and paved streets, while establishing local administrative mechanisms to oversee implementation and ensure community participation.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved the project during a special meeting held in Lahore on October 20, 2026, where officials presented a comprehensive briefing on the proposed model village development programme.

The provincial government also decided to introduce the Khushhal Dehat Act 2026, a proposed legislative framework intended to support rural development and improve the management of village level infrastructure projects.

Under the initial phase, 120 villages will be selected for the pilot programme, with development activities to be coordinated through specially constituted village committees.

The chief minister directed the relevant authorities to establish these committees promptly and submit a comprehensive implementation plan.

According to the approved administrative arrangements, each village committee will comprise eight members, including four public representatives and four government representatives.

The relevant Assistant Commissioner will head each committee, while the Deputy Commissioner will supervise all village committees and development projects within the district.

The committees will include a local school headteacher, Union Council Secretary and a doctor from a Basic Health Unit or Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic, alongside other relevant representatives.

These committees are expected to help identify community infrastructure requirements, coordinate development activities and monitor the quality of public works.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan

PC Hospitality, the hospitality division of Hashoo Group, has announced the launch of HotelOne Living, a new brand designed to cater to Pakistan's emerging midscale extended-stay accommodation and branded residences market.

The initiative marks an expansion of the company's hospitality portfolio into a segment serving business travellers, professionals, relocating employees and families requiring accommodation for longer periods than conventional hotel stays.

According to an official announcement issued on October 19, 2026, Hotel One Living has been developed to combine the spaciousness, privacy and convenience of apartment style accommodation with the professional services, safety and operational standards associated with established hotel brands.

The concept is positioned within the midscale segment, offering an alternative to traditional hotels and corporate housing arrangements.

PC Hospitality said the new brand is intended to address changing accommodation requirements among professionals and modern travellers who increasingly need residential facilities capable of supporting work, daily routines and longer-term living.

Hotel One Living will focus on functional living areas, dedicated workspaces and integrated lifestyle amenities while maintaining consistent hospitality standards for comfort, cleanliness and service quality.

The accommodation model is designed to provide residents with greater personal space and flexibility than a conventional hotel room while retaining access to professionally managed hospitality services.

According to the company, the brand will target prime commercial districts and major business hubs across Pakistan, where demand for flexible residential accommodation is expected to come from corporate clients, business travellers, professionals and relocating families.

Bastien Blanc, Chief Executive Officer of the Hospitality Division at Hashoo Group, said the expectations of contemporary travellers and long-stay residents were evolving beyond conventional hotel accommodation.