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Express Tribune
26-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Filtration in districts, wastewater treatment in Lahore to be boosted
The Punjab government has launched initiatives to install nearly 1,000 filtration plants across the province and develop wastewater treatment facilities in Lahore. The project for the installation of 963 water filtration plants across various districts, including Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan, was approved in meeting chaired by Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin. The initiative also includes surface water treatment systems and the construction of small dams in the Pothohar region to improve access to safe drinking water. Punjab Saaf Pani Authority CEO Naveed Ahmed briefed the participants on the progress of ongoing and upcoming clean water projects. He emphasised that transparency and merit would be ensured during project implementation. To cut operational costs, many facilities will be converted to solar energy. Minister Yasin noted that new water supply projects will be launched annually. The meeting was also attended by the authority's Operations and Maintenance Director General Zohaib Butt and Projects DG Aamir Khaleeq. Separately, in a bid to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage into the Ravi River, the government has planned the construction of smart wastewater treatment plants in Lahore. This initiative was discussed in a meeting chaired by Housing Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal. Lahore Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Managing Director Ghaffran Ahmed said six wastewater treatment plants are proposed at key outfall locations in the city. In the first phase, work will begin on facilities at Babu Sabu and Kattar Bund. The Babu Sabu wastewater treatment plant is expected to cost approximately Rs60 billion, while the Kattar Bund facility will require around Rs23 billion.
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Security arrangements for Muharram: Two ministers visit key procession routes
LAHORE: On the special instructions of Chief Minister Punjab, provincial ministers conducted late-night visits to key mourning sites in Lahore to review the ongoing security arrangements for Muharram. Provincial Minister for Sports and Labour Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, along with Provincial Minister for Food Bilal Yasin, Special Assistant to CM Sania Ashiq, CCPO Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana, Commissioner Lahore Zaid bin Maqsood, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza, and other senior officials, visited Nisar Haveli, Karbala Gamay Shah and Pando Street Imambargah. During the visits, the ministers thoroughly reviewed the security measures in place for the main Ashura procession routes and other significant locations. Police and district administration officials briefed the dignitaries on the overall security plan, deployment of volunteers, CCTV monitoring, security checks at entry and exit points, and contingency planning. Speaking on the occasion, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar issued instructions to ensure comprehensive security on procession routes and to immediately address any potential disruptions caused by rainfall. He emphasized the need for cleanliness, adequate lighting, provision of water, medical camps, and other essential facilities. He assured the organizers of the government's full cooperation and reiterated that maintaining peace and order during Muharram is a top priority for the Punjab government. The organizers expressed satisfaction over the arrangements and praised the inter-agency coordination. Furthermore, Faisal Ayub Khokhar appealed to the public, urging citizens of Lahore to fully cooperate with the police and administration during Muharram and demonstrate responsible citizenship. On this occasion, Bilal Yasin stated that the security has been placed on high alert at all procession routes and sensitive locations. Continuous monitoring is being carried out through CCTV cameras from central control rooms. He added that Section 144 is being strictly enforced and any unauthorized processions or gatherings will not be permitted. The ministers affirmed that, under the guidance of the Punjab government, all relevant departments are working round the clock to ensure a peaceful and dignified observance of Muharram. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Quality assurance panels to monitor projects
WASA workers pump out rainwater accumulated at Committee Chowk in Rawalpindi. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE The Punjab Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Department has established Quality Assurance Committees in all key subordinate agencies and development authorities across the province. Official sources confirmed that these committees will operate within Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASAs), Parks and Horticulture Authorities, and Development Authorities. Their primary mandate is to monitor project execution, verify adherence to technical standards, and provide consistent feedback to improve ongoing and future development schemes. Each committee will include departmental engineers, quality control officers, and administrative staff to ensure a comprehensive review of project implementation. Reports from these committees will be regularly submitted to the Housing Department's central monitoring cell for oversight and any required corrective actions. This quality control initiative follows the earlier creation of a high-level Search Committee tasked with ensuring merit-based recruitment of top positions, such as Directors General, Managing Directors, and Chief Engineers. Chaired by Housing Minister Bilal Yasin, the committee evaluates service records and seniority to ensure that appointments reflect capability and integrity. Additionally, the department has established an Internal Accountability Board, operating under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act. This board will investigate complaints of corruption and misconduct within the department and its subsidiaries, enforces internal discipline, audits compliance, and advises on policy reforms. Commenting on the department's multi-layered reforms, Housing Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal said: "The Quality Assurance Committees are another critical step toward institutionalising excellence in public service. When combined with the Search Committee and Internal Accountability Board, we are creating a governance model rooted in merit, integrity, and public trust." He stressed the importance of responsible use of public funds, noting that billions of rupees are invested annually in housing and sanitation projects.
