Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved round-the-clock commercial activity across the province during the holy month of Ramadan, allowing markets, commercial outlets, bakeries, hotels, and retail establishments to remain operational 24 hours a day. The decision is aimed at facilitating consumers and sustaining uninterrupted economic activity in major urban centres.
Officials stated that the government will also provide financial assistance to eligible households, with combined support from federal and provincial programmes reaching up to Rs23,000 per family. The assistance is intended to help low-income segments manage increased household expenses during Ramadan.
Authorities noted that extended operating hours are expected to enhance the functional capacity of established commercial districts, increase footfall, and improve the overall economic performance of mixed-use urban zones. Continuous activity is also likely to strengthen investor confidence in established retail corridors and support the sustained utilization of commercial infrastructure.
Economic observers said the policy could contribute to higher transaction volumes, greater occupancy and activity levels in key business districts, and improved momentum in urban economic centres, reinforcing their role as primary hubs of commercial and economic engagement during the peak seasonal period.

DG Khan: Husnain Aulakh, Special Correspondent | ReNews Pakistan
On the directions of the Chief Minister of Punjab, Secretary Housing Noor-ul-Amin Mengal visited Dera Ghazi Khan to conduct a comprehensive review of development projects underway under the Chief Minister Punjab Development Program. During the visit, the Secretary interacted with site officers and field staff regarding the ongoing works.
In-charge of the Site Safety and Monitoring Team, Major Muzaffar, briefed him on the implementation of safety protocols. Deputy Commissioner DG Khan, Usman Khalid, accompanied the Secretary, while Managing Director WASA, Jawad Kaleem, provided a detailed briefing on the progress of various schemes. The Secretary received an update on the ongoing revamping of the 208-kilometre sewerage network and construction of six disposal stations in DG Khan. The briefing also noted that 48 kilometres of roads are set to be restored under the development plan.
Addressing officials on-site, Noor-ul-Amin Mengal stated that no compromise would be tolerated on quality or pace of work, directing that all projects be completed before the onset of the monsoon season. He emphasized that special attention must be given to the convenience and safety of citizens and commuters, and instructed authorities to further accelerate work during night hours. The Secretary also directed that signboards be installed at clearly visible locations for public awareness. He reiterated that he would personally review development works in other districts as well to ensure strict monitoring and timely completion.

Lahore: Husnain Aulakh, Special Correspondent | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Secretary Housing Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, visited Jhang to conduct a detailed review of ongoing development projects in the district. During the visit Managing Director WASA Jhang, Sohail Raza, briefed the Secretary on the progress of major infrastructure schemes. The Secretary was informed about the reconstruction of five disposal stations, ongoing work on a 157 kilometre sewerage network and the development of a 4 kilometre rainwater drainage system.
He directed the concerned authorities to ensure the timely completion of all schemes and emphasized that streets and roads should be developed in a dust free and aesthetically pleasing manner. Noor-ul-Amin Mengal also instructed officials to ensure the use of high quality construction materials and to strictly implement safety measures for workers and residents at construction sites. Speaking on the occasion, he stated that he is personally visiting development projects across the province on the directions of the Chief Minister of Punjab.
He further noted that large scale sewerage rehabilitation projects have been introduced in districts across Punjab to improve urban infrastructure. Deputy Commissioner Jhang, Ali Akbar Bhinder, accompanied the Secretary during the visit.