Punjab Province

Lahore | Riaz Hussain, ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has expressed its commitment to building new international partnerships in the field of urban development, as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif prepares to represent Pakistan at a global forum to highlight the province’s key development initiatives.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif will undertake a three-day visit to Baku, the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan, from May 17 to May 20, where she will represent Pakistan at the international World Urban Forum. The visit is being viewed as an important step in promoting Punjab’s urban development vision and strengthening global partnerships.
During the visit, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is scheduled to hold an important meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on May 17. Matters of mutual interest, urban development, infrastructure, investment opportunities and prospects for further cooperation are expected to come under discussion.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif will attend the forum as a special state guest in Azerbaijan. She will also deliver a significant address at the World Leaders Summit being held at the Baku Olympic Stadium, where she is expected to highlight Punjab’s development vision, urban planning initiatives and public welfare projects.
Punjab government’s flagship project “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” will be specially showcased at the World Urban Forum. The provincial government will present the initiative as a unique model in the affordable housing sector, aimed at providing housing facilities to low- and middle-income groups.
According to government sources, the chief minister’s visit to Azerbaijan is expected to play an important role in bringing global recognition to Punjab’s leading projects, enhancing cooperation in urban development and establishing new links with international partners.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Azma Bokhari, Housing Minister Bilal Yasin and Sports Minister Faisal Ayub will accompany the chief minister during the visit.
In addition, Agriculture Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, Special Assistant Ali Dar, the Punjab chief secretary and the chief minister’s staff will also be part of the delegation.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered the installation of safety nets beneath manhole covers across the province as part of a major urban safety and infrastructure improvement initiative.
The directives were issued during a high-level review meeting on ongoing development projects in Punjab. The chief minister instructed relevant authorities to install polyester-strip safety nets inside manholes, gutters and drainage systems to prevent accidents and protect citizens, particularly children, from falling into uncovered or damaged manholes.
Officials briefed the meeting that a pilot project had already been launched in Gujranwala, where safety nets would be installed on approximately 30,000 manholes. The initiative is expected to be gradually expanded across the province after the pilot phase.
The meeting was attended by divisional commissioners through video link and reviewed progress on road rehabilitation, urban beautification, drainage improvement and public facility upgrade projects in different divisions.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed officials to give priority to road projects and ensure uniform design standards across Punjab. She called for standardised signboards, improved road aesthetics and consistent colours for shopfronts and shutters along major roads to create visual harmony in urban centres.
She also ordered the installation of wall-mounted planters in narrow bazaars and markets where space constraints make traditional landscaping difficult. During the meeting, Taxila’s main bazaar was also approved for conversion into a heritage street to preserve its historic identity and promote urban tourism.
According to officials, 31 development schemes related to roads, parks, commercial areas, flower markets and a zoo are close to completion in Gujranwala division. These projects include tuff tile work on major roads, installation of traffic signals at nine busy intersections and new streetlights on key routes, including Nowshera Road and Eminabad Road.
The chief minister also approved several infrastructure projects in Wazirabad, Kamoke and other districts. These include road links, park restoration, canal-side jogging tracks and upgraded public facilities aimed at improving civic life and urban mobility.
In Rawalpindi division, Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to complete beautification projects within three months. She also ordered the closure of open drains in parts of Gujar Khan to improve public safety and sanitation. Road construction and rehabilitation schemes were also approved for Kotli Sattian, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin and other areas.

Vehari: [ReNews Pakistan]
In view of possible flood threats, the district administration of Vehari conducted a flood mock exercise at Head Islam, where Rescue 1122, police, the Irrigation Department, Health Department, Livestock Department, Civil Defence, Municipal Committee, Education Department, Agriculture Department and other relevant institutions took part.
The exercise was inspected by Deputy Commissioner Vehari Khalid Javed Goraya and District Police Officer Tasawar Iqbal. On the occasion, District Emergency Officer Dr Khalid Mahmood briefed the officials on the flood mock exercise, rescue plan, available machinery and emergency response arrangements, while the Irrigation Department briefed them on embankments, protective bunds, water flow and sensitive points.
During the exercise, different departments set up stalls where available facilities, equipment, dewatering pumps, boats and relief material were reviewed. Rescue 1122 personnel demonstrated boating, scuba diving, safe evacuation of drowning persons, provision of first aid to the injured and their immediate transfer to hospital.
The wireless communication system and emergency contact mechanism were also reviewed to ensure swift coordination among institutions and timely relief operations in any emergency situation.
Deputy Commissioner Khalid Javed Goraya said the purpose of the flood mock exercise was to assess the preparedness, coordination and quick response of departments. He said all departments were ready to deal with any possible flood situation.
DPO Tasawar Iqbal said police would fully cooperate in protecting lives and property during a flood situation, while District Emergency Officer Dr Khalid Mahmood said Rescue 1122 remained fully prepared to deal with all kinds of emergencies.