ADB helps turn Punjab cities green

Urban development to improve quality of life, help boost competitiveness

ISLAMABAD:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is helping the Punjab government build sustainable and liveable mid-level cities by upgrading their basic infrastructure and services.

This includes Sialkot, a thriving business hub known for manufacturing footballs and high-quality surgical instruments, according to a short video released by the ADB on Friday.

It said the ADB’s support for urban development is helping boost Sialkot’s competitiveness, create jobs, and improve the quality of life in the city.

It added that the city manufactures over 70% of the world’s footballs. “If you have ever played football, chances are the ball was made in Sialkot in Pakistan.”

The city is also the source of footballs for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha, Qatar.

Sialkot is a thriving business hub known not just for its football production, but also for manufacturing surgical instruments.

Forward Group and Sialkot Airport Chairman, Khwaja Masood Akhtar said, “We have international customers. They come to see our factory and visit us for business meetings. Therefore, it is very important that the infrastructure of the city, including our roads, railways, airports and dry ports, are up to mark.”

It was highlighted in the video that the ADB is helping develop growing cities like Sialkot so public services can meet rising demand.

The water infrastructure is being upgraded for reliable supply, while sewerage and sanitation systems are also being rehabilitated.

With the ADB’s help, over 450 tonnes of waste are collected every day and communities are taught better waste management.

Farkhanda Ishtiaq, a Social Activist from Sialkot, said, “We learned about solid waste management at home. It was very beneficial for me as I learned how to segregate my kitchen waste.”

Parks, footpaths, and terminals in the city are now more accessible, with clean toilets and well-lit walkways.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26^th, 2022.

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