PM Imran stresses ‘green urbanisation’

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said 'green urbanisation' would help reduce the adverse impacts of pollution.

He expressed these views while chairing a meeting regarding Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and Central Business District (CBD) Lahore projects.

The premier stated that the development of green spaces in new plans and preservation in existing urban areas was necessary for mitigating effects of pollution, including smog.

He directed the Punjab government to take strict legal action against elements involved in illegal encroachments and housing societies.

He also ordered to expedite the process of lands' transfer for RUDA and CBD projects.

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PM Imran further emphasised that urban development projects are being initiated for attracting investments and should not be criticised and hindered for political reasons.

He highlighted that these projects are for improving the socio-economic conditions of the common man.

Earlier, the meeting was apprised about the work being carried out on both RUDA and CBD projects which is in full swing and the land acquisition process is near completion.

The participants were told that a Rs100 billion investment is expected in CBD during the first year and 1,900 low cost housing units are included in the master plan of Ravi Urban Development scheme.

The meeting was attended by Advisor Finance Shaukat Tarin, SAPM Dr Shehbaz Gill, Chairman Naya Pakistan Housing & Development Authority Lt Gen (retd) Anwar Ali Haider, Chief Secretary Punjab and senior officials.