logo
Punjab to roll out multibillion-rupee LDP Phase-II

Punjab to roll out multibillion-rupee LDP Phase-II

Express Tribune22-05-2025
The Punjab government is set to begin Phase-II of the Lahore Development Programme (LDP) on June 30, the same day the first phase is scheduled for completion.
As part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's development vision for the provincial capital, the administration has established strict deadlines and quality standards for ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects.
Officials say that implementation momentum is gaining pace as the government prepares to transition smoothly from Phase-I to Phase-II of the ambitious citywide programme.
Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL), Shahid Abbas Kathia, confirmed to APP that monthly review meetings are being conducted to monitor progress.
"June 30 is the firm deadline for Phase-I, and we are committed to delivering results on time," he said, adding that the administration is fully aligned with the chief minister's development goals.
The design and planning for Phase-II have already been finalised, with development activity slated to begin in Wagah, Aziz Bhatti, and Allama Iqbal towns.
Among the major undertakings is the construction of a 312-kilometre-long sewerage network intended to modernize Lahore's aging wastewater infrastructure.
This extensive sewerage revamp will include the installation of new pipelines and the establishment of disposal stations to separate clean water from sewage.
The system will feature two primary routes—Line A and Line B—serving the central zone of the city, aimed at addressing long-standing issues of drainage and water contamination.
Officials have indicated that these improvements are part of a broader strategy to enhance urban infrastructure and public health standards in Lahore.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Vendors ignore govt price lists
Vendors ignore govt price lists

Express Tribune

time16 hours ago

  • Express Tribune

Vendors ignore govt price lists

Listen to article The colourful piles of fresh fruits and vegetables at Islamabad's stalls may look inviting, but beneath the surface lies a well-practiced game of evasion and profiteering. From blaming rising transport costs to claiming high prices at the mandi, shopkeepers craft clever excuses to outsmart customers daily and dodge government price lists, hiking rates at will. These tactics not only squeeze the average shopper's wallet but also leave price control committees in a constant chase, turning regulation into an uphill battle. Every morning, the city administration issues official rate lists to protect consumers from sudden price hikes. These lists cover essentials, from onions and tomatoes to mangoes and poultry, yet on the ground, they're often ignored or hidden from view. At F-8, a middle-aged man haggled over tomato prices. The vendor insisted on Rs90 per kg, despite the government's list clearly displaying nearby the price fixed at Rs55. It might as well have been invisible. This wasn't an isolated case. A quick survey of five stalls in the same market showed tomato prices ranging from Rs65 to Rs100, while the official rate remained Rs55. Mangoes listed at Rs200 per kg were being sold for as high as Rs450. Prices seemed to hinge more on customer awareness than any regulation. Many shoppers, unaware of their rights, don't even know that these price lists exist. "I honestly didn't know there was a daily rate list," said an area resident. "I just assumed prices changed by area." Others echoed similar confusion. "It feels like every shop runs on its own rules," said a student from F-8 sector. "Nobody follows the list, and we don't know how or where to complain." "We have to buy these things regardless," added a housewife from I-11. "No one takes these lists seriously. We're just at their mercy." Low public awareness plays directly into vendors' hands When questioned, shopkeepers offer a familiar rotation of excuses such as transport strikes, fuel prices, poor harvests, or inflated mandi rates. "Humain peechay se mehngi mil rahi hain," (our suppliers sold it to us at a higher rate) is the default line. While some reasons occasionally hold merit, they're often exaggerated to justify random markups, especially during high-demand days. But Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon while talking to APP, dismissed these justifications. In a conversation, he confirmed that Sabzi Mandis across the city were complying with official rates. "The shopkeepers' complaints are baseless," he said, urging people to verify by visiting the mandi themselves. This disconnect raises a key question: if wholesale markets are following official prices, then why are retailers allowed to flout them so openly? Legally, vendors may add a justified profit over wholesale rates, but not inflate prices arbitrarily. Yet enforcement of the Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act, 1977 remains weak. Deception is common. Some vendors display the rate list as a formality; others hide it behind crates or omit MRPs from packaged goods. Many simply quote different prices to different customers based on how informed or unaware they seem. Although price control officers are tasked with daily inspections, active monitoring usually spikes only around Ramzan and Eid. The rest of the year, overcharging continues with little pushback. Many shoppers remain unaware that they can file complaints through the Pakistan Citizen Portal, call their local assistant commissioner, or contact the DC Control Room at 051-9108084, a number printed daily on the rate list, but rarely noticed. But fixing this isn't out of reach. Ensuring fair prices in markets isn't just about daily lists or occasional inspections. It requires a culture of compliance, stronger systems, and an informed public. When both vendors and buyers understand their roles within a transparent pricing structure, the space for confusion and manipulation naturally shrinks. With consistent monitoring, smarter tools, and greater awareness, price stability can move from being a seasonal effort to a year-round standard. The use of simple tech solutions, like mobile apps, digital rate boards, and instant reporting can further bridge the gap between regulation and everyday practice. Similar to well-regulated economies, small steps, taken consistently, can lead to lasting improvements that benefit everyone involved.

PM Shehbaz, Erdogan and Aliyev express solidarity with friendly walk
PM Shehbaz, Erdogan and Aliyev express solidarity with friendly walk

Express Tribune

timea day ago

  • Express Tribune

PM Shehbaz, Erdogan and Aliyev express solidarity with friendly walk

PM Shehbaz, Erdogan and Aliyev take friendly stroll after ECO summit Photo: APP Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev took a friendly stroll together in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, following the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) summit. The Azerbaijani president briefed the prime minister and the Turkish president about Khankendi and its historic buildings, the Prime Minister's Office Media Wing said in a statement on Saturday. The three leaders engaged in an informal and pleasant conversation during the walk. As a symbolic gesture of unity, the leaders held hands to express the exemplary fraternal relations and solidarity among Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan. Later, President Aliyev personally drove Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Shusha for a luncheon. Read: India can't turn off the tap, warns PM In a separate development on the sidelines of the ECO summit on Friday, Pakistan and Azerbaijan signed a landmark agreement for a $2 billion Azerbaijani investment in Pakistan's economy, marking a significant boost to bilateral ties. The agreement was finalised in the presence of PM Shehbaz, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Azerbaijan's Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov. The investment pact follows discussions held between PM Shehbaz and President Aliyev, and sets the stage for a more detailed memorandum of understanding, expected to be signed during President Aliyev's upcoming visit to Pakistan.

First phase of PDP: PC-1 submission begins, 21 cities prioritised
First phase of PDP: PC-1 submission begins, 21 cities prioritised

Business Recorder

time2 days ago

  • Business Recorder

First phase of PDP: PC-1 submission begins, 21 cities prioritised

LAHORE: Submission of PC-1 of development schemes in various cities under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's Punjab Development Program (PDP) has begun and 21 cities have been included in the priority list in the first phase of PDP. This was disclosed during a meeting chaired by Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq on Friday. Special Secretary Arshad Baig and Additional Secretary Ahmer Kaifi attended the meeting while Syed Zahid Aziz, Managing Director of Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC), was also present. While addressing the meeting, the Minister said that PC-1s of five cities including Gujrat, Daska, Layyah, Attock and Nankana Sahib, have been submitted, while PC-1s of Khanewal and Wazirabad cities are in the final stages. He further said that PC-1s of development works in 14 more cities will be submitted during July; these cities include Kamoke, Vehari, Muridke, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Burewala, Gojra, Jaranwala, Kamalia, Kot Addu, Lodhran and Sheikhupura. He noted that PDP is a unique and comprehensive project of this government which includes schemes of sewerage, rainwater drainage, and paving of streets. 'In addition, there will be work on building rainwater storage tanks and rehabilitating parks,' he added. He also said that every small and big city will be brought under the purview of the PDP in a phased manner. 'The PMDFC and PMU will monitor the projects while the steering committee at the provincial level monitors all the issues,' he added. He urged the officials present in the meeting to implement the instructions issued by the steering committee, adding that the money saved from any scheme would be invested in another city. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store