Tag: Punjab Government

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched Pakistan’s first Environment Protection Agency (EPA)-certified "Liquid Tree," a bio-artificial system designed to combat smog and improve urban air quality. Developed through seven months of research, the system utilizes an AI-monitored, algae-based bioreactor—using a highly effective species identified in Sukkur—to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This initiative will initially be deployed in major shopping malls as a space-efficient alternative to traditional afforestation in congested urban areas, forming a key part of the government's broader strategy against climate change and environmental degradation.

The Punjab government has mandated that all provincial, regional, and district public offices transition entirely to the E-Filing and Office Automation System (e-FOAS) by July 1, effectively banning manual paper correspondence. This structural shift, overseen by the Punjab Information Technology Board, is expected to save billions in administrative costs while improving transparency, reducing processing delays, and accelerating the resolution of public grievances. Additionally, the Chief Secretary acknowledged the successful efforts of administrative teams in meeting solid waste management targets during the recent Eid-ul-Azha holiday.

The Punjab government has enacted a transformative fiscal policy by slashing stamp duty to a uniform 1% for all property transactions throughout the province. This major reform, introduced via the Stamp (Amendment) Ordinance 2026, aims to stimulate real estate growth and significantly lower the cost of transferring property by removing the long-standing tax gap where rural buyers previously paid 3%. To maintain market momentum, the 1% rate applies to transactions completed within a 12-month window, while also introducing legal recognition for "assignable deeds" to bring informal arrangements into the documented tax system. While the measure has immediate legal effect, it requires formal approval from the Punjab Assembly within 90 days to become permanent law, a move market observers expect will trigger a significant boost in transaction volumes across both urban and rural regions.

Punjab government to launch Punjab Airlines in April with domestic flights on seven aircraft, connecting major cities. Led by CM Maryam Nawaz, it starts domestic-only for two years before expanding. Fleet doubles as commercial service (full fares paid for official use) to ensure financial viability and efficiency no burden on treasury. Part of broader transport modernization.

Punjab orders strict enforcement of 2022 Building Safety Regulations province-wide, with legal action for violations. Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique chaired a Lahore meeting revealing surveys of 2,214 high-rises, Rs 2B fire service expansion, and Rescue 1122's feats (280K+ fires handled, Rs 768B saved). Upgrades align with CM Maryam Nawaz's vision; businesses urged to comply.

The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has proposed a PKR 17 billion expansion of Murree Road, specifically targeting the congested stretch between Liaquat Bagh and Chandni Chowk. The project aims to widen the road to 20 feet on both sides and introduce dedicated service lanes and parking plazas to streamline traffic. A key feature of the plan is the creation of a signal-free corridor from Marrir Chowk to Faizabad, which is expected to drastically reduce travel time. While land surveys are already underway, the project currently awaits final approval and funding from the Punjab government to begin construction.

Rawalpindi Ring Road Phase 1, now estimated to cost PKR 50 billion, has been delayed, with its completion deadline pushed from December 2025 to March 2026 and about 75% of work done so far. The 38.6km stretch from Banth Mor to Thalian Interchange faces construction and land acquisition hurdles, especially for upgrading Thalian into a broad-based interchange. The cost has risen from PKR 33 billion due to scope revisions, and officials warn the interchange works may extend beyond March 2026. A feasibility study and PC-I for Phase 2, from Thalian to GT Road (M-5), are also due by March 2026.

The Punjab government has banned the production of petrol-powered motorcycle rickshaws to combat severe air pollution. This move is part of a larger strategy that includes promoting electric and hybrid vehicles for all government departments, banning home vehicle washing, and enforcing penalties for environmentally harmful practices like burning plastic. The province has also expanded air quality monitoring and introduced digital tools for pollution tracking. These measures aim to improve public health by reducing smog and enhancing environmental standards throughout Punjab.

The Punjab government has disbursed PKR 113 billion in home loans to 95,600 low-income families through the ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar’ Programme. The initiative, championed by CM Maryam Nawaz, aims to help 500,000 families over five years. Currently, 82,931 houses are under construction, with 20,940 already completed. The scheme emphasizes transparency and strict eligibility checks, benefiting both urban and rural areas.