Punjab Province

Kasur: District Reporter Sadaf Arshad | ReNews Pakistan Under the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif , the Pattoki administration has launched a major beautification and green belt development project along Multan Road, aimed at improving roadside aesthetics, urban greenery, and public spaces. The initiative is being closely monitored on a regular basis by Assistant Commissioner Pattoki, Farooq Azam. The project involves systematic plantation of trees, shrubs, and landscaped greenery on both sides of Multan Road, a key arterial route connecting Pattoki to major urban and rural areas of central Punjab. Work also includes removal of encroachments, clearing of debris, and organizing roadside spaces to create safer, cleaner, and more visually appealing corridors for pedestrians, residents, and commuters. Officials have stated that the initiative is part of the provincial government's eco-friendly and urban beautification vision, which seeks to promote environmental sustainability, reduce pollution, and provide improved outdoor spaces in fast-growing towns like Pattoki. The green belts are also expected to enhance property values and stimulate commercial activity along the corridor. During frequent on-site inspections, Deputy Commissioner Kasur Asif Raza and Assistant Commissioner Farooq Azam have supervised planting schedules, irrigation arrangements, and construction of walkways, ensuring the project meets established standards. Residents and business owners have been urged to cooperate in maintaining the newly planted greenery and avoid unauthorized dumping or encroachments along the road. The administration has directed relevant municipal and parks departments to implement regular maintenance schedules, including watering, pruning, and cleaning of landscaped areas. Continuous monitoring by the Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner is aimed at sustaining the greenery and preventing damage from public or private encroachments. The project will be executed in phases, with the first phase focusing on central sections of Multan Road near commercial and residential junctions. Subsequent phases are planned to expand landscaping and aesthetic enhancements to adjacent residential sectors and service lanes. Officials emphasized that the initiative not only improves the urban environment and quality of life in Pattoki but also has long-term positive effects on land use patterns and property development, aligning with broader provincial goals for sustainable urban growth.

A modern fruit and vegetable market is under construction in the Doolle Wala area of Kasur, as part of the Punjab government’s “Modern Punjab” initiative. The project aims to upgrade markets across the province with modern facilities, making trade more transparent, organized, and consumer-friendly. Planned features include transparent auctions, price regulation, improved sanitation, clean water, enhanced lighting, modern toilets, waste management, and tracking systems. Additionally, the market will include a drainage system, manhole covers, conversion of waste into biogas and poultry feed, help desk, rate boards, and truck tracking mechanisms. This initiative is part of the modernization of 188 vegetable markets in Punjab, with new markets also being established in Pakpattan, Sahiwal, Mian Channu, Sheikhupura, and Mandi Bahauddin. Some local residents and traders have raised concerns regarding the chosen location, noting that proximity to existing areas may cause traffic or other operational challenges. At the same time, the government maintains that the new market will provide the public with affordable, high-quality, and safe fruits and vegetables, while promoting organized trade and reducing monopolistic practices. Experts say that the construction of modern markets will help ensure transparency in trade, better waste management, and improved convenience for consumers, though the integration of local feedback and concerns will be important for smooth implementation.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Punjab Provincial Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique has directed the implementation of the Building Safety Regulations 2022 across the province, ordering strict legal action against any violations. The directive aims to strengthen building safety standards, particularly in public, commercial, and high-occupancy structures. The minister issued the instructions during an official review of emergency preparedness and safety frameworks, emphasizing that non-compliance with approved building regulations poses serious risks to public life and property. He stressed that enforcement agencies must ensure uniform application of the regulations without discrimination. Under the Building Safety Regulations 2022, buildings are required to meet defined standards related to structural stability, fire safety systems, emergency exits, electrical safety, and accessibility for emergency response services. The regulations apply to both newly constructed buildings and existing structures, particularly hospitals, educational institutions, shopping plazas, residential high-rises, and industrial facilities. Khawaja Salman Rafique instructed relevant departments, including district administrations and emergency services, to conduct inspections and identify buildings that fail to meet safety requirements. He directed that violators be proceeded against strictly under the law, including penalties, sealing of unsafe premises where necessary, and mandatory corrective measures. The minister highlighted that enforcement of safety regulations is a preventive measure aimed at reducing casualties during fires, building collapses, and other emergencies. He noted that recent incidents in urban centers have underscored the need for proactive regulation rather than post-incident responses. He further emphasized coordination between emergency services, building control authorities, and local administrations to ensure that safety audits are conducted regularly and deficiencies are addressed promptly. The focus, he said, should remain on protecting human life while ensuring that buildings are used strictly in accordance with their approved purpose and design. The directive forms part of the Punjab government’s broader approach to improving urban safety, regulating land and building use, and strengthening emergency preparedness across cities and towns in the province.