Lahore to have tram service: Maryam

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday said that tram service will be operated in the area of Liberty, Main Market, Mini Market, Hali Road.

She visited the LDA Headquarters and approved establishing the Punjab Development Authority. She also sought a list of all illegal housing schemes in Lahore.

She said: “Every housing scheme will be reviewed and decided upon whether to regularise it or not,” she said and approved remodeling and beautification of the MM Alam Road. She directed authorities to operate a tram in Liberty, Main Market, Mini Market and Hali Road areas. She directed renovating Gulberg and its adjoining areas and said: “Uniform roads and tuff tiles should be installed.” She approved the Karim Block to Motorway Signal Free Corridor Plan, under which two underpasses would be constructed on the 6-way road from Karim Block to Motorway. She approved commercialization of various roads in Lahore and directed early completion of sports complexes at Minar-e-Pakistan and China Scheme.

Earlier, DG LDA Tahir Farooq gave a briefing about the working projects and performance of the LDA. He said: “The LDA will collect many times more revenue this financial year as compared to last year.” Maryam set Rs 46 billion revenue generation target for the LDA. She was apprised: “An online service is being launched for citizens to get their residential maps approved. Government plots worth billions of rupees have been recovered as a result of checking and sifting of records. She directed LDA authorities to complete the process of sifting and checking of records as soon as possible. She reviewed a proposal to commercialize important roads of Lahore. She said: “Special attention should be given to the development of the LDA City.” She also visited the Global Village.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, SACM on Political Affairs Zeeshan Malik, the chief secretary, the principal secretary to CM and other relevant officers were present.

Meanwhile, Maryam expressed grief over the loss of human lives in an explosion in Mardan and a roof collapse due to rain in Faisalabad. She offered condolences for the bereaved family and directed authorities to provide best medical treatment to the injured.

“The whole nation is one heart and soul for the elimination of terrorism,” said Maryam while condemning a blast in Mardan.