Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities across the province to construct attractive and well-maintained green belts between major markets and adjoining roads, marking a major push to uplift the urban landscape and improve the aesthetic quality of public spaces.

The directive came during a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister in Lahore, where officials presented detailed briefings on the beautification plans for every district, tehsil, and city in Punjab. The provincial government has set an ambitious timeline, mandating that all beautification initiatives be completed between February and May, a period during which the weather is suitable for plantation, landscaping, and construction activities.

Extensive beautification plan across Punjab

According to the briefing, a total of 132 beautification schemes are being implemented across 39 districts of Punjab. These projects—collectively costing an estimated Rs 16.90 billion—cover a wide range of initiatives including landscaping, urban greenery, road medians, renovation of public spaces, decorative lighting, and structural uplift of key commercial areas.

Officials reported that work orders for 97 schemes have already been issued, while 88 projects are actively underway. The program is designed to create cleaner, greener, and more visually appealing urban environments that meet modern civic standards and improve the experience of residents and visitors.

District-wise project breakdown

The briefing highlighted significant variation in project numbers depending on the size and urban needs of each city:

• Lahore: 18 beautification projects, focusing on market corridors, main roads, green belts, lighting, and public landscaping.
• Sargodha: 6 uplift schemes.
• Bahawalpur: 16 ongoing projects.
• Gujranwala: 12 improvement initiatives.

In addition to these, several districts have already completed substantial portions of their beautification programs:

• Rawalpindi: 17 schemes completed.
• Faisalabad: 13 projects completed.
• Multan: 8 completed initiatives.
• Sahiwal: 24 beautification projects successfully executed.

These efforts are part of the government’s broader plan to rejuvenate cities, reduce pollution through increased greenery, and create pedestrian-friendly and environment-friendly civic spaces.

Strict action ordered against negligence and urban decay

During the meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed dissatisfaction over the presence of broken green belts, uncovered manholes, heaps of garbage, and poorly maintained public spots in several areas. She directed that strict action must be taken against officials responsible for any negligence in maintaining civic standards.

The chief minister emphasized that cleanliness and order should be visible not just in select marketplaces but across every corner of a city. She noted that the government’s goal is to establish a consistent standard of beauty and hygiene in all urban locations, ensuring that no area appears neglected or poorly serviced.

Maryam Nawaz warned that the presence of illegal encroachments in market spaces or along roadside corridors would be unacceptable. She stated clearly that if encroachments are found, the respective Assistant Commissioner will be held accountable and may face disciplinary action.

Focus on urban greenery and public convenience

The key element of the CM’s instructions is the development of aesthetically pleasing green belts between central markets and nearby roads. These green belts are expected to not only enhance visual beauty but also help counter rising pollution levels, lower temperatures in congested commercial hubs, and provide citizens with a more pleasant environment.

Urban planners believe that these beautification projects—particularly in densely populated districts—will contribute to long-term environmental sustainability by promoting tree planting, improving air quality, and adding open green spaces where possible.

Officials have been instructed to use durable materials, maintain uniform landscaping standards, and adopt modern horticultural designs to ensure longevity and easy maintenance of the new green belts.

Accountability and monitoring

The meeting concluded with a directive to monitor all projects regularly. Maryam Nawaz ordered relevant departments to avoid delays and ensure strict quality control, noting that the beautification campaign reflects the vision of a “clean, green, and modern Punjab.”

She reiterated that the government is committed to transforming public spaces across the province, making them safer, cleaner, and more attractive for the millions of people who live, work, and travel across Punjab.