Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a proposal to clear flood zones across the province within three months, directing authorities to remove illegal structures obstructing natural waterways and river passages.
The approval was granted during a special meeting on post-flood management chaired by the chief minister, where relevant departments presented a comprehensive briefing on flood risks, encroachments in water channels, and preventive measures for future disaster management.
During the meeting, the chief minister directed strict enforcement of the ban on construction within riverbeds, flood channels, and natural drainage corridors, warning that such encroachments pose serious risks to nearby settlements and disrupt the natural flow of water during heavy rains and flooding.
The provincial government also decided that no financial compensation will be provided for illegal structures built within waterways if they collapse or sustain damage during floods, stressing the need for compliance with environmental and urban planning regulations.
In addition, the meeting approved the restructuring of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority to enhance institutional capacity for disaster preparedness and emergency response. As part of the reform initiative, eight new operational wings will be established within the authority to strengthen planning, coordination, and rapid response mechanisms during natural disasters.
Officials stated that the measures aim to improve flood risk management, protect residential communities, and ensure safer urban and rural development across Punjab. The government also emphasised the importance of coordinated action among provincial departments to mitigate future flood hazards and safeguard public infrastructure.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has announced a major initiative to enhance security in residential areas across the province. Each district will now have a dedicated anti-drone system under the supervision of the District Police Officer (DPO), supported by specialized drone fleets to monitor and neutralize unauthorized aerial activity. Officials stated that the anti-drone systems will use advanced jamming technology to immediately disable drones operated by miscreants or hostile actors, providing an added layer of protection for communities.
The Home Department has advised citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the local police control rooms or helpline 1422 to enable swift response. Section 144 remains in force, banning unauthorized drone flights, with exemptions only for small indoor drones used for events or by law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
This initiative reflects Punjab’s commitment to safeguarding residential areas, ensuring public safety, and creating a secure living environment. The deployment of drones and anti-drone systems is expected to significantly improve monitoring capabilities and provide residents with greater peace of mind, both inside their homes and in surrounding neighborhoods.

Kasur: Sadaf Arshad District Reporter | ReNews Pakistan
A high-level review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Kasur Muhammad Asif Raza to assess progress on ongoing beautification and development initiatives being implemented in the district under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
During the meeting, officials from relevant departments briefed the chair on the implementation status of various projects aimed at improving urban infrastructure, public facilities, and environmental aesthetics across different areas of the district.
The deputy commissioner emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts among departments to ensure the timely execution of development schemes and directed authorities to accelerate the pace of work so that residents could benefit from improved civic amenities.
The meeting reviewed progress on several public infrastructure and beautification projects, including the upgrading of parks, improvement of road networks, and development of recreational facilities designed to enhance the overall urban environment.
Addressing the participants, the deputy commissioner stated that the district administration remains committed to transparent governance and effective service delivery, adding that the ongoing initiatives would contribute to sustainable urban development and improved quality of life for local residents.
Officials were further instructed to remove administrative bottlenecks, ensure proper monitoring mechanisms, and maintain close coordination with field teams to guarantee efficient implementation of all approved projects.
The district administration reiterated that development initiatives across Kasur are being pursued in line with the provincial government’s broader strategy for urban improvement and public welfare.