Latest news with #ZeeshanRafiq
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
66 cities of Punjab to be uplifted in new financial year
LAHORE: Under the Chief Minister Cities Development Programme, the Punjab government has decided to launch development schemes in 66 cities of Punjab in the new financial year. Under this programme, all dirt roads will be paved or repaired, along with the construction and repair of connection roads, and a comprehensive sewage system will be introduced. Moreover, disposal stations will be solarised while sewerage problems will be solved by keeping in mind the needs of the population in 2050. In addition to rainwater drainage, storage tanks will also be built, and restoration of parks will also be included in the project. In this connection, the copies of PC-1 have been sent to the relevant municipal bodies. In this regard, Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq issued instructions while chairing a meeting through a video link on Thursday. Punjab Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Additional Secretary Ahmar Kaifi, PMDFC MD and Deputy Commissioners of various districts participated. The Minister directed the concerned deputy commissioners to keep the model of the Lahore Development Programme in mind while working on the development schemes. He clarified that there will be no additional recruitment for the Cities Development Programme except for technical experts, and thus, only the available human resources will be utilised. 'The Punjab Local Government Department will complete this mega project in collaboration with Public Health Engineering,' he added. Rafiq said that in the next phase, 110 more cities will be included in the programme; in every city, all dirt roads will be paved or repaired, along with the construction and repair of connection roads, and a comprehensive sewage system will be introduced. 'In this connection, the copies of PC-1 have been sent to the relevant municipal bodies,' he added. He said the deputy commissioners have also been made members of the steering committee. He observed that in the past, only partial schemes were completed in cities; however, for the first time, an end-to-end solution for sanitation will be provided. He directed that transparency should be taken care of while implementing the project on the timeline. On this occasion, the Secretary said that e-tendering and digital payment methods should be implemented in the programme. He directed that before the construction of the streets, sui gas, electricity companies and cable network institutions should complete their work. 'After the completion of the work,' he warned, 'digging will be prohibited without the NOC of the district administration.' He said the use of safe and durable sewer pipes is the highlight of this program, adding that the benefits of HTP-lined sewer pipes will last for the next 100 years. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bhowana ranked Punjab's cleanest tehsil
The Faisalabad Waste Management Company (FWMC) has removed more than 615,400 tonnes of solid waste from 16 tehsils over the past six months, following the outsourcing of sanitation operations to private contractors. The initiative, launched under the Punjab government's "Suthra Punjab" campaign, is aimed at transforming urban cleanliness standards and achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. According to FWMC sources, the company has deployed a workforce of over 15,000 personnel, 5,199 waste containers, and 3,014 pieces of machinery across the division to ensure regular waste collection from households and public spaces. The massive operation comes as part of a province-wide sanitation reform led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who approved the outsourcing model in November 2024 for all eight waste management companies in Punjab. A half-yearly performance evaluation conducted by the Central Control Room of the Punjab Local Government Department placed Tehsil Bhowana of District Chiniot at the top among 132 tehsils across the province. Bhowana was recognised for its superior sanitation standards, operational efficiency, and timely resolution of public complaints. Tehsils Jalalpur Pirwala in District Multan and Bahawalnagar secured second and third positions, respectively. The control room, which monitors key performance indicators such as staff deployment, facial attendance, vehicle tracking, waste enclosure setup, complaint resolution, and tonnage collection, ranked 26 tehsils with average efficiency scores above 90. Among these high-performing tehsils, seven belong to Faisalabad Division, including Jaranwala, Pir Mahal, Gojra, Kamalia, Chiniot, Lalian, and Toba Tek Singh. Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq described the performance monitoring as a vital component in ensuring long-term sustainability of the initiative. He noted that municipal bodies previously managed to lift only 28,000 tons of solid waste daily, while the new system aims to handle 60,000 tons, ensuring proper waste disposal and minimising environmental hazards. Rafiq added that control rooms have been established at the tehsil level and that more than 100,000 jobs have been created through the outsourcing model. FWMC Chief Executive Officer Rauf Ahmad credited the first-place achievement of Tehsil Bhowana to the hard work of the company's field staff, as well as the cooperation of provincial and district administrations.
Business Recorder
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Punjab honours armed forces' victory
LAHORE: The Punjab local government department and various local and civic authorities on Friday observed Youm-e-Tashakur (day of gratitude) to pay homage to the Pakistani armed forces for successfully defending the country from its arch rival India. Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq while congratulating the nation on Thanksgiving Day said in a message that the Pakistani armed forces set an indelible example of courage and valour on May 10. 'The Pakistani nation has truly proven to be a leaden wall,' he added. He averred that the nation thanked Allah Almighty who helped Pakistan in breaking the arrogance of the enemy, and today the nation stands with their heads held high in the international community. He said the success of Operation Banyan Marsus has been acknowledged not only in Pakistan but also at the international level. 'The irony is that, on one hand, the Indian media kept making false claims of intrusion in Pakistan while on the other hand, their leadership was pleading with international powers for a ceasefire,' he added, adding that in the battle of May 2025, the three armed forces gritted the teeth of the enemy with complete coordination. 'Any enemy who looks at Pakistan with a malicious intention will think twice in the future,' he added. Meanwhile, the Lahore district administration held a series of celebrations, marking Pakistan's historic victory in Operation Banyan Marsus against India. These events showcased the Lahoris' patriotism and unity, and paid tribute to the nation's armed forces and martyrs. The 'Day of Gratitude' events included prayer sessions and patriotic rallies, all conducted with enthusiasm and discipline. A key event was the flag-hoisting ceremony at Town Hall; Metropolitan Corporation Lahore Chief Officer Shahid Abbas Kathia hoisted the national flag. On this occasion, Kathia praised the administration's efforts, stating, 'Lahore is celebrating this historic victory with full zeal, reflecting the nation's gratitude.' In his message, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza emphasised the remarkable success of Operation Banyan Marsus. He praised the armed forces, stating, 'National unity has elevated Pakistan's global standing.' He saluted the heroes of Operation Banyan Marsus, declaring that Allah has blessed Pakistan with a great victory. Highlighting the courage of the military, he said that the bravery of Pakistan's armed forces is the nation's true asset. 'Our brave soldiers have delivered a powerful response to India, and we honour their courage,' he added. He also paid tribute to the martyrs, calling them the pride of our nation, and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to peace and progress. Moreover, a Youm-e-Tashakur rally was organised by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to celebrate the success of Operation Banyan Marsus. LDA Vice Chairman Mian Marghoob Ahmed and Director General Tahir Farooq led the rally. It occurred at Khayaban Ferdowsi in Johar Town with a large turnout of LDA officers and employees. During the rally, participants offered special prayers for the martyrs and the safety and security of Pakistan. Vice Chairman Mian Marghoob Ahmed praised the bravery of the soldiers, stating that they have made Pakistan proud on the global stage. He emphasised that the Pakistani army has effectively responded to Indian aggression, and Operation Banyan Marsus serves as a testament to the nation's solidarity and unity. He declared that the people of Pakistan, alongside the army, stand firmly against any threat from India, asserting that Pakistan will prevail against adversities. Director General Tahir Farooq remarked on the significant role of the Pakistan Air Force in defeating the enemy, commending the entire nation for uniting in support of the army during this critical time. He reiterated that the nation stands resolutely with the Pakistani Army. Furthermore, the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) also held a rally to honour the Pakistan army's bravery. The rally was led by LWMC Chairman Malik Bilal Zulfiqar Khokhar and CEO Babar Sahib Din. A large number of LWMC officers and workers participated in the rally which began at the LWMC Head Office and concluded at the Lahore Press Club. Participants carried banners in support of the Pakistan Army and waved national flags, demonstrating their unwavering patriotism and gratitude. The LWMC leadership praised the sacrifices and unmatched bravery of the armed forces, stating that the entire nation stands united behind them. Prayers were also offered at the end of the rally for the safety, peace, and prosperity of Pakistan and its people. The Water and Sanitation Authority (WASA) also took part in the celebrations by organising a ceremony at the WASA Head Office in Lahore, chaired by WASA Vice Chairman Chaudhry Shahbaz Ahmed and Managing Director Ghufran Ahmed. While paying tribute to the soldiers, the Vice Chairman said that they salute their soldiers who have once again made history in defending the country and nation. The WASA MD said that the courage with which the Pakistan armed forces delivered a fitting response to the enemy gave enormous pride to the entire nation. 'We are a resilient nation that knows how to thwart every conspiracy of the enemy,' he added. On this occasion, special prayers were offered for the country, and a flag-hoisting took place, along with slogans in support of the Pakistan Army. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
CM forms body to oversee Punjab cities' uplift programme
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has formed a provincial steering committee headed by Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq to oversee the cities development programme. Among the other members are Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Zeeshan Malik and Punjab Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian. The steering committee established at the provincial level will also take necessary decisions in consultation with the local elected representatives while the steering committee in each district will also work under the chairmanship of the deputy commissioner. Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq's disclosed this during his visit to the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) to review the progress on the programme on Monday. Punjab Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian and Additional Secretary Ahmar Sohail Kaifi were also present. On this occasion, PMDFC MD Syed Zahid Aziz gave a briefing on the cities development programme. On this occasion, he said the survey for development works has been completed in all the small and big cities of the 35 districts of Punjab. 'This is another mega project of the Punjab government, under which the construction and repair of sewerage, drainage, rainwater storage, parks and streets in urban areas will be completed, while the drainage system will be converted to solar energy,' he added. He observed that the chief minister is following the province's policy of uniform development; in the first phase, 59 cities will be upgraded, and in the second phase, 110 cities will be upgraded. He averred that the project which is devised with the support of the World Bank will end the problems of basic services in cities that have been going missing for years. 'The chief minister has ordered the completion of the project in 50 cities by next year. The PMDFC should complete the PC-1 of each city during the current month, and the steering committee established at the provincial level will also take necessary decisions in consultation with the local elected representatives,' he added. He averred that a drainage by-system is being introduced in every city for the first time, laying special sewer lines will protect groundwater from possible contamination. On this occasion, the secretary, while directing to keep in mind the model of Lahore Development Programme, said that most of the available human resources will be utilised for the cities development programme and only new recruitment will be made for essential posts. He expressed his determination that the entire project will be completed within two years, which will meet the municipal needs of the cities for the next 25 years. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
03-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Rs137bn uplift package for Lahore approved by CM
LAHORE: Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq has said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had approved a development package of Rs 137 billion for the provincial capital; under the Lahore Development Programme, all the dirt streets are being paved. He expressed these views during his visit to different areas of Ravi Town and Shahdara here on Friday to review the ongoing schemes in the area under the Lahore Development Programme. He was accompanied by Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Political Affairs Zeeshan Malik, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza and Water Sanitation Authority (WASA) Lahore Managing Director Syed Ghufran Ahmed. While expressing satisfaction over the pace of ongoing projects, the Minister said that along with the repair of the streets, streetlights are also being installed. He averred that under the programme, the WASA Lahore is installing new tubewells in water-scarce areas, while the rehabilitation of parks is also being ensured. 'The development process has been started in the entire province; upgradation of all cities is being done under the Chief Minister Cities Programme. Malik said that the needs of Lahore for the next 25 years have been kept in mind in this mega project. 'The Chief Minister ordered work in every backwards area without discrimination,' he added. On this occasion, he directed the Deputy Commissioner to consult with the local elected representatives on development schemes in their respective areas. He also directed that the excavation work should be completed before the onset of the rainy season. The Special Assistant to the Chief Minister directed that transparency and quality be considered in all projects, including road rehabilitation. He expressed his determination to ensure the completion of the Lahore Development Programme within the stipulated timeline. The Deputy Commissioner said that every development scheme is being completed according to the vision of the Chief Minister; they are trying to ensure that the citizens face minimum inconvenience due to excavation and other works. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
