Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
A delegation of the World Bank, led by its President Ajay Banga, met Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Lahore and conveyed continued financial and technical cooperation for housing schemes, municipal services and public infrastructure projects across the province.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed progress on ongoing programmes supported by the international lender and discussed expanding collaboration in sectors linked to residential construction, neighbourhood upgrading, waste management systems, and the provision of basic facilities in urban and semi-urban areas.
Special attention was given to the province’s flagship low-cost housing initiative, Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar, which aims to provide affordable homes and secure land tenure for low- and middle-income families. Officials highlighted the need for structured planning, improved utilities, and organized settlement layouts to accommodate growing populations.
The delegation also examined improvements in public health and education infrastructure, including the construction and rehabilitation of schools, hospitals, and service centres, alongside the Suthra Punjab programme focused on sanitation, solid waste handling and cleaner city environments.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that partnerships with development institutions are helping the province strengthen its civic framework, modernise public facilities and create better living conditions for residents. She emphasized that planned land use, reliable services and accessible housing remain central to Punjab’s urban strategy.
The World Bank representatives acknowledged the pace of ongoing works and expressed readiness to continue supporting projects that enhance residential planning, municipal efficiency and long-term city management.
The meeting concluded with agreement to maintain close coordination to accelerate implementation of existing schemes and identify new areas for cooperation in housing and public infrastructure development.

Kasur | Sadaf Arshad District Reporter | ReNews Pakistan
The Assistant Commissioner of Kasur, Ghulam Fatima, has taken an active role in supervising ongoing beautification and improvement projects across the city’s public parks. Under her guidance, municipal teams are working to enhance green spaces, improve infrastructure, and provide safe, accessible recreational areas for residents.
According to district officials, the beautification efforts include planting seasonal flowers, trimming and maintaining lawns, repairing walking tracks, and upgrading benches, lighting, and public facilities. Special attention is being given to waste management within the parks to ensure cleanliness and hygiene for visitors. The initiative is part of a broader push by the district administration to promote urban greenery, recreational activities, and community engagement, aligning with the provincial government’s vision for sustainable urban development and public welfare. Authorities have emphasized that well-maintained parks not only improve city aesthetics but also provide safe and healthy spaces for children, families, and senior citizens.
During inspections, Assistant Commissioner Ghulam Fatima instructed park management teams to monitor water supply for lawns and fountains, ensure timely removal of litter, and maintain proper signage for visitors. She also highlighted the importance of including security measures such as adequate lighting and patrolling to prevent vandalism and ensure public safety. Officials noted that these improvements are being implemented in major parks as well as smaller community green spaces throughout Kasur, with the goal of making outdoor areas more inviting and accessible. Public feedback is being considered in the planning process to address specific needs such as playground equipment, jogging tracks, and shaded seating areas.
Urban development experts in the city have praised the administration’s proactive approach, noting that well-managed parks contribute to environmental sustainability, community well-being, and better land use planning. They also highlighted that beautified parks encourage outdoor activities, promote social cohesion, and enhance property values in surrounding areas.
The Assistant Commissioner has reiterated that these projects are ongoing and will continue with phased enhancements in the coming months. The Kasur administration aims to set a model for integrating environmental, recreational, and safety considerations into urban green space management.

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
Educational activities at the Government Institute for Slow Learners, Rawalpindi, have been suspended after the administration vacated its rented premises due to the expiry of the tenancy period and non-availability of an alternative government building.
The institute, which had been operating from a rented facility in Rawalpindi city, was providing education and training to 120 children with intellectual and learning disabilities, supported by 14 teachers and staff members. According to school sources, the property owner has repossessed the building after earlier deadlines for vacating the premises elapsed. The landlord had initially set 31 December 2025 as the deadline to vacate, later extending it to 31 January 2026. With no relocation arranged during this period, the premises were taken back and the school’s equipment and materials were temporarily secured in a few rooms before final clearance. The institute is expected to fully shift out, halting regular classes until a new site is allocated.
School management reportedly approached the District Administration and the District Education Authority (DEA) for the provision of a government building to ensure continuity of classes. However, no formal arrangement has yet been finalised. Sources indicate that a government primary school building on Saidpur Road, Rawalpindi, under the District Education Authority, has partially vacant space and is expected to have additional rooms available in the coming days. Despite this, the premises have not been officially assigned to the institute.
With the rented facility vacated, students and staff currently remain without a designated campus. Education officials are expected to decide on temporary or permanent relocation to resume academic and rehabilitation services for the enrolled children. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in providing dedicated infrastructure and stable accommodation for specialised public education institutions in the district.