Illegal housing projects see flicker of hope

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved in principle a proposal to establish a Punjab Development Authority.

During a visit to the Lahore Development Authority headquarters, the CM sought a list of all illegal housing schemes in Lahore.

She said the case of every housing scheme would be reviewed a decision regarding whether to regularise it or not. The chief minister approved a plan for remodeling and beautification of MM Alam Road.

She directed the authorities concerned to operate a tram service in the area between Liberty intersection, Main Market, Mini Market and Hali Road.

She also issued directives to construct, renovate and rehabilitate roads in Gulberg and adjoining areas.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also approved a plan for a signal-free corridor from Karim Block to the motorway. The plan includes the construction of two underpasses on the six-lane road from Karim Block to the motorway.

She also approved commercialisation of various roads in Lahore and called for early completion of sports complexes at Minar-e-Pakistan and China Scheme.

LDA Director General Tahir Farooq gave a briefing about the projects and performance of the authority.

“The LDA will collect many times more revenue this financial year as compared to last year," he claimed.

The chief minister set a Rs46 billion revenue generation target for the LDA.

She was informed that an online service is being launched for the citizens to get their residential building plans approved.

“Government plots worth billions of rupees have been recovered as a result of checking and sifting of record," she was informed.

The CM directed LDA authorities to complete the process as soon as possible.

She also reviewed a proposal to commercialise various important roads of the city. She said special attention should be given to the development of the LDA City.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in an incident of roof collapse due to rain in Faisalabad. She offered condolences and expressed her sympathies with the bereaved family.

She directed the authorities concerned to provide the best medical treatment facilities to the injured.

The chief minister also condemned an explosion that took place in Mardan.

She said the whole nation was united for the elimination of terrorism,.

She expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in the explosion and offered condolences to the families of the victims.

The chief minister prayed for the complete and speedy recovery of the injured.