Punjab Province

Kasur: [Sadaf Arshad District Coordinator ReNews Pakistan]
A key WASA meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Kasur, Muhammad Asif Raza, and MPA Naeem Safdar Ansari to review immediate measures for protecting urban areas from potential flooding.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on drainage systems, sewer lines, disposal stations, and the timely removal of rainwater. Officials were directed to identify flood prone points and take prompt preventive actions.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need to ensure that the drainage system remains fully functional and efficient, with all machinery and staff kept on high alert to respond quickly in case of heavy rainfall or emergency situations.
The meeting also stressed the importance of regular cleaning of sewer lines, desilting of drains, and removal of encroachments that obstruct water flow. Authorities highlighted that all departments must work in coordination to complete necessary arrangements before the rainy season to minimize risks to the public.
The session is being seen as a proactive step toward urban flood management and improved civic services under the Government of Punjab’s vision.

Faisalabad: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Divisional Development Working Party (DDWP) has approved a series of road construction, rehabilitation, and urban uplift projects across Faisalabad Division aimed at improving infrastructure and public services.
According to official sources, a 3.9-kilometre road connecting Mamon Kanjan/Tandlianwala Road to Ihsan Chowk Imambargah will be constructed at an estimated cost of PKR 130 million.
Urban beautification and development schemes were also cleared for major commercial hubs. Development work in Aminpur Bazaar has been approved at a cost of PKR 370 million, while a similar project in Jhang Bazaar will be executed at a cost of PKR 390 million. These projects include underground electrification, sewerage system improvements, and installation of public benches in market areas.
Officials further stated that plantations and decorative installations will be carried out in Aminpur Bazaar, while a green belt will be developed in Jhang Bazaar as part of the broader revitalization plan.
In the social sector, the DDWP approved the establishment of a District Population Welfare Complex in Chiniot with an allocation of PKR 120 million. The completion of the Kalsoom Nawaz Block at Government Girls Graduate College, GM Abad, was also approved with a cost of PKR 370 million.
Additionally, the committee sanctioned the repair, maintenance, and carpeting of 10 roads under the highways department, involving significant expenditure.
The meeting was chaired by Commissioner Musarrat Jabin and attended by Deputy Commissioner Faisalabad Capt (Retd) Nadeem Nasir and Deputy Commissioner Chiniot Ayesha Rizwan, who briefed participants on the scope and implementation timelines of the approved projects.

Lahore: ReNews Pakistan
President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Faheem ur Rehman Sehgal, has stated that the increasing electricity load shedding in the country has pushed the industrial sector into a severe crisis, making it difficult to achieve export targets.
Addressing a press conference along with other office bearers, he said that load shedding and lockdown measures are badly affecting business activities. He added that causing losses to traders in the name of energy conservation is unacceptable.
The Chamber president also expressed concerns over the actions of the para force, stating that overstepping authority is aggravating the situation. He emphasized that the current mechanism of implementing lockdown is ineffective and needs immediate review by the government.
Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh said that industrial production is being affected due to electricity shortages, while the increase in fuel prices has further fueled inflation.
He further noted that unrest during market closures is unfortunate, and the electric vehicle (EV) policy in the country cannot succeed without a reliable power supply. Vice President Khurram Lodhi, Shavez Tahir Malik, Abdul Majeed, and other officials were also present on the occasion.