LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is pushing one of the most ambitious urban development drives in Pakistan‘s history and the numbers tell a compelling story. For the first time, Lahore is witnessing the upgrade and beautification of 16,410 streets, as authorities roll out work on nearly 60 streets daily under the Lahore Development Plan.
The CM chaired an important meeting via a video link with Deputy Commissioners of all districts in Punjab regarding both LDP as well as PDP. It covered all aspects from upgradation of streets to monsoon preparations.
Why Lahore Streets Upgrade Matters
The first phase of the Lahore Development Plan has been completed successfully. Phase-II has achieved 76 percent of its target, with a strict deadline of June-end for completion of the phase. The Chief Minister instructed officers to prepare the plans of Phase-III without any delay after the completion of Phase-II.
Under Phase-I, authorities are upgrading sewerage systems and installing tuff and coloured tiles. These changes improve both functionality and visual appeal. Residents can clearly see the transformation. CM Maryam Nawaz reviewed photographic evidence of the upgraded streets and expressed satisfaction with the progress
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She did not mince words about the previous state of these areas. She said many streets resembled filthy cattle sheds. Mothers and residents endured stagnant water, foul smells, and blocked access for years. That era, she made clear, is over.
Authorities have completed 85% of the Ichhra Bazaar upgradation and will finish the project within this month. The Chief Minister has made it known that she intends to launch the new Ichhra Market herself. She recalls having visited this market during her childhood days, and if neglected further, this important historical place would have been lost forever.
Punjab Development Programme: 52 Towns, One Perspective
Out of 52 towns included in the Development Program of Punjab, the drainage of rainwater is complete by 40 percent. The most advanced town in this case is Kamalia where drainage is already complete by 70 percent, whereas Gojra comes second at 65 percent. Kamalia is far ahead, having completed 70 percent of stormwater drainage work, while Gojra follows with 65 percent. Toba Tek Singh and Chichawatni have each crossed 55 percent on critical works, while Joharabad and Jalalpur Jattan both stand at 44 percent.
To support this infrastructure push, the government has begun procuring machinery worth Rs6.6 billion comprising 46 suction machines, 45 jetting machines, 100 dewatering sets, and 77 desilting machines. All equipment will reach 52 cities before the end of June.
Zero Tolerance for Negligence
As the early monsoon nears, CM Maryam Nawaz told deputy commissioners to ensure foolproof planning and warned that she would tolerate no negligence.
She asked for the immediate repair and upgradation of all service roads in the province and asked the Lahore Development Authority to fill all the potholes and pave fresh roads immediately. Any road dug up for development work, she stressed, must see restoration completed on time. Inconveniencing the public mid-project is unacceptable.
Addressing officials directly, she delivered a sharp message on accountability: “The era of eye wash is over. You have been empowered delivering results is now your responsibility.” She also directed every deputy commissioner to identify development gaps in their districts and submit comprehensive plans for the next fiscal year, including hiring consultants where the work demands it.
Lahore’s streets are changing block by block, 60 a day. And the Chief Minister is watching every single one.
