Maryam seeks report on illegal housing schemes

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has sought details from the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) regarding illegal housing schemes.

During a special meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday, the proposal to ban selling of plot files in illegal housing schemes was discussed. DG LDA Tahir Farooq was instructed to submit a report within 15 days.

The chief minister also directed relevant development institutions to present a comprehensive plan for repairing potholes on Lahore’s roads. The ‘LDA Development and CM Initiative’ were thoroughly reviewed during the meeting.

Maryam was briefed on the ‘Lahore Shop and Drop Tramway,’ a project that will see an 8.2 km long tramway passing through Kalma Chowk, Main Boulevard, Hussain Chowk, MM Alam Road, Mini Market, and other areas. Five trams will operate simultaneously, with trams arriving every two minutes at each stop.

Additionally, a briefing was given on the construction of a special road from Karim Block to the Motorway. The proposal to demolish the Data Nagar flyover due to its deteriorating condition was also discussed. The ‘LDA Road Network Restructuring Plan’ was presented during the meeting.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has hailed the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Pakistan as a “historic step,” emphasising its significance in advancing the region’s development and prosperity.

“The vision of Nawaz Sharif enabled Pakistan to break free from global isolation, securing a strong diplomatic position,” she remarked, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s tireless efforts in diplomacy deserve recognition.

The chief minister noted that the SCO Summit provides a valuable platform for promoting cooperation and enhancing bilateral trade within the region.

“The forum will allow countries to adopt a common strategy on critical issues such as climate change, the economy, terrorism, and extremism,” she said. In her message on the International Day of Rural Women, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to the “greatness, sacrifice, and tireless work” of rural women, describing them as “living examples of hard work, love, responsibility, and sacrifice.” She praised the critical role rural women play in strengthening the agricultural economy, as well as their contributions to farming and livestock management, all while handling household responsibilities. “Our commitment to providing equal facilities for rural women is unwavering,” she affirmed, noting that the Punjab government is actively working on initiatives for their welfare. She highlighted the field hospital project underway to offer healthcare services to rural women and the upgrading of primary health units to improve women’s health in these areas.

Additionally, Maryam Nawaz underscored the establishment of a virtual police station to protect the rights of women across all segments of society. “We are also developing a skill development program for rural women,” she revealed, adding that livestock will be provided to promote their economic empowerment and financial independence.