Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Energy Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar has directed the provincial energy department to accelerate the solarisation of public buildings, including schools, colleges and Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) hospitals, while improving electrical safety inspections across government institutions.
Chairing a departmental review meeting, the minister emphasized that energy security and electrical safety must move together, particularly in sensitive public facilities such as hospitals and educational buildings. He directed officials to strengthen inspection, monitoring and safety mechanisms for electrical systems to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure safer working environments.
The meeting reviewed progress on the Chief Minister Punjab Free Solar Panel Initiative, which is approaching completion with final verification activities currently underway. Officials also briefed the minister on the ongoing solarisation of public higher secondary schools, colleges and THQ hospitals, including updates on grid connectivity and electricity metering systems.
Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said the solarisation of public buildings would help reduce electricity expenses, promote renewable energy adoption and improve the long-term efficiency and sustainability of government facilities.
He directed officials to ensure that all solar energy projects meet high standards of quality, transparency, timely completion and operational effectiveness. The minister stressed that modern energy solutions should provide sustainable benefits while supporting better management of public resources.
The meeting also discussed the proposed establishment of an Energy Sector Policy and Implementation Unit (ESPIU) under the Energy Secretary. The proposed unit would focus on policy development, market analysis, tariff planning and strategies for Punjab’s transition toward a modern and sustainable energy sector.
Officials also reviewed proposals aimed at making the electrical licensing and regulatory framework more transparent, efficient and technology-based. Discussions included the involvement of licensed electrical contractors in commercial and industrial inspections, third-party technical audits and the establishment of an appeals mechanism.
Progress on several other initiatives, including Net Zero Energy Buildings, the Bio-fertilizer Plant, SAVE UP Punjab and the Garmala Block, was also reviewed during the meeting.
The energy minister directed officers to maintain transparency, quality, merit and timely execution across all departmental projects, saying that these initiatives would play an important role in modernising Punjab’s energy infrastructure and strengthening sustainable development across the province.

Sargodha : ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a development package worth nearly PKR 1 billion for the construction, rehabilitation and improvement of major roads across Sargodha district, aimed at improving transportation infrastructure and strengthening connectivity between key urban and rural areas.
The approved projects have been initiated under the Own Source Revenue (OSR) initiative and include road upgrades, bridge rehabilitation and improvements to important market and link roads in Sargodha and Shahpur. The package consists of eight development schemes designed to improve road conditions, ease traffic flow and enhance access to commercial and residential areas.
Under the approved plan, several important roads in Sargodha city will undergo construction and rehabilitation work. These include Dairy Road, Azad Road, New Urdu Bazaar Road, Grain Market Road, Pilot School Road and Ara Market Road, with a combined estimated cost of approximately PKR 175.79 million.
The rehabilitation of the Khayam Chowk Overhead Bridge has also been approved as part of the package, with an estimated allocation of PKR 88.981 million. The project is expected to improve road safety and traffic movement around one of the city’s key junctions.
Another major scheme involves the rehabilitation of the connecting road from Johar Colony Road to Fatima Jinnah Road through Gillwala Railway Crossing and Haripurah Bridge, which has been approved at an estimated cost of PKR 228.674 million. The project will improve connectivity between important residential and commercial areas.
The provincial government has also approved rehabilitation work on the Shama Chowk–Stadium Gate Road and its link road to Cheema Heart Centre, with an estimated cost of PKR 164.645 million. The scheme aims to improve access to key public facilities and reduce travel difficulties for commuters.
Additional road improvement projects include the rehabilitation of Main Bazaar Bhagtanwala Road and the Lahore Road–Bhirowal–Kot Momin Link Road, with a combined estimated cost of around PKR 127.715 million.
In Shahpur, the Jail Road–Shahpur Saddar Road will be upgraded under a project costing approximately PKR 98.888 million, while the rehabilitation of Farooka Road to Sial Dhulaka Road has also been approved with an estimated allocation of PKR 56.684 million.
The approved development portfolio covers city roads, market-area routes, bridges and inter-district connections. Officials stated that these infrastructure improvements are part of broader efforts to enhance mobility, support economic activity and improve road networks across Sargodha district.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
Lahore has approved 17 development schemes covering wastewater management, neighbourhood roads and revenue related infrastructure, expanding the city’s programme for improving municipal services and local urban connectivity.
The schemes were approved by the Divisional Development Working Committee chaired by Lahore Division Commissioner Noman Yousaf. The approved portfolio includes projects of the Water and Sanitation Agency, Metropolitan Corporation Lahore and the Board of Revenue.
Seven proposals submitted by WASA relate to the procurement of wastewater pumps for disposal stations in different parts of Lahore.
According to the WASA administration, the new pumps will be installed at various disposal stations to strengthen the wastewater disposal system and improve operational capacity.
The Metropolitan Corporation Lahore secured approval for eight schemes focused on the rehabilitation of internal and neighbourhood roads across the city.
The road schemes are expected to improve local connectivity and the physical condition of neighbourhood infrastructure, an important component of urban development and access to residential and commercial areas.
Development schemes relating to the Board of Revenue were also presented before the committee, with deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners from the four districts of Lahore Division briefing officials on the proposed works.
The committee reviewed the schemes before granting approval, while the commissioner specifically examined the road rehabilitation projects proposed by MCL.
Officials concerned have been directed to complete development works within the prescribed timelines and maintain required quality standards during execution.
The combination of wastewater infrastructure upgrades and neighbourhood road rehabilitation is expected to strengthen basic municipal services in Lahore, particularly in areas where drainage capacity and deteriorating internal roads affect everyday mobility and urban development.
For residential and commercial neighbourhoods, improved wastewater disposal and better road access can also support a more functional urban environment by strengthening basic infrastructure required for future development.