Multan Division

Multan : ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has directed authorities to ensure effective implementation of the Multan Master Plan in order to manage the city’s rapidly growing population and expanding built-up areas. Under the plan, future residential, commercial and other development will be guided by established town planning principles.
The directive was issued during a meeting chaired by Punjab Housing Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal, where progress on ongoing development schemes in Multan, town planning matters and issues related to the Water and Sanitation Agency were reviewed in detail.
Additional Director General of the Multan Development Authority Ataul Haq Khokhar briefed the meeting on development projects being carried out by the MDA. Following the briefing, the housing secretary instructed officials to ensure implementation of the Multan Master Plan under all circumstances.
The Multan Development Authority is a key institution responsible for the city’s planned growth, development of new housing schemes and expansion of urban infrastructure. Its jurisdiction covers approximately 362 square kilometres. According to official information, the MDA has previously completed several residential and development schemes, including Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Lodhi Colony, New Qasimpur, Tughlaq Town and New Shah Shams.
The importance of implementing the Multan Master Plan has increased as the city continues to experience population growth and rising construction activity. Official records put Multan’s population at around 5.36 million, while long-term master planning for WASA has also been undertaken for the period from 2014 to 2040, covering improvements to existing water supply and sewerage systems as well as the extension of services to newly developed areas.
Under the Punjab government’s master land-use planning framework, master plans are intended to curb unplanned urban sprawl, regulate the allocation of land for residential, commercial and other uses, reduce traffic pressure, protect open spaces and identify future requirements for infrastructure and basic civic services.
Against this backdrop, effective implementation of the Multan Master Plan will require more than land-use mapping alone. It will also need to guide decisions related to new housing schemes, commercial construction, roads, traffic management, water supply, sewerage and other urban services so that the city’s expansion remains planned and does not contribute to worsening encroachments, congestion, infrastructure shortages and unregulated development.

Multan : ReNews Pakistan
The lake at Shah Shams Park in Multan is set to reopen to the public after remaining non-functional for around 15 years, as local authorities accelerate restoration work aimed at reviving one of the city's prominent recreational facilities.
The lake, which has remained closed since 2011, is being rehabilitated on a fast-track basis and is expected to become operational during the first week of September 2026.
Multan Commissioner Aamir Karim Khan inspected the ongoing development and restoration work at Shah Shams Park and directed the Horticulture Authority Multan to ensure that the remaining work on the lake is completed within the stipulated timeframe.
During the inspection, the commissioner reviewed progress on different components of the rehabilitation project and stressed that the reopening should be accompanied by adequate arrangements for public safety.
He directed officials to put comprehensive safety measures in place around the lake so that families and other visitors could use the recreational facility in a secure and comfortable environment.
The restoration represents the revival of a public amenity that has remained unavailable to residents for more than a decade. Once operational, the lake is expected to become an important part of efforts to improve recreational facilities at Shah Shams Park and attract more families and visitors.
Commissioner Aamir Karim Khan said the reopening of the lake would help restore the park's lost charm while providing citizens with an improved recreational space.
Authorities are simultaneously carrying out other development works at the park as part of the broader improvement programme.
The commissioner also inspected an under-construction cafeteria and directed the concerned officials to complete the facility by the end of August, ahead of the planned reopening of the lake.
Managing Director Horticulture Authority Multan Syed Waseem Hassan briefed the commissioner about progress on the lake restoration as well as other development works underway at Shah Shams Park.
He assured the commissioner that work on the lake would be completed within the prescribed timeframe and that the upgraded park would offer improved recreational facilities to residents.
The revival of the lake is particularly significant for Multan's urban recreational infrastructure because large public parks provide residents with accessible spaces for leisure, family activities and outdoor recreation.
After being out of operation for 15 years, bringing the lake back into use would restore an important feature of Shah Shams Park while making better use of existing public recreational infrastructure.
With the cafeteria also scheduled for completion before the lake reopens, the ongoing works are expected to improve the overall visitor experience at the park.
If the announced schedule is maintained, residents could regain access to the restored lake during the first week of September, marking the return of a recreational attraction that has remained closed since 2011.

Multan: [ReNews Pakistan]
The federal government has formally approved the long awaited dualization of the Multan/Lodhran Road, with construction work scheduled to commence next month in a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving transportation and economic connectivity in South Punjab.
The approval was granted by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan following a request by Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani. The project, spanning approximately 62 kilometres, carries an estimated cost of Rs 4.6 billion and will be financed through the Road Maintenance Account (RMA).
According to official plans, the dual carriageway is expected to be completed within one year. As part of the project, approximately 44.8 kilometres of the existing road will be elevated to ensure both carriageways maintain a uniform level, enhancing driving conditions, reducing accident risks, and improving traffic flow.
The Multan/Lodhran Road has long remained in poor condition, creating significant challenges for commuters, transport operators, businesses, and residents who rely on the route for daily travel and commercial activities. The deteriorated road surface and heavy traffic congestion have resulted in longer travel times, increased vehicle operating costs, and safety concerns.
Officials believe the dualization project will transform the corridor into a modern and efficient transport route, facilitating smoother movement of passengers and freight while supporting regional economic growth. The upgraded infrastructure is also expected to strengthen connectivity between Multan, Lodhran, and surrounding districts, benefiting trade, agriculture, and logistics.
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani welcomed the approval, stating that the project fulfills an important commitment made to the people of the region. He expressed confidence that the upgraded highway would provide long-term transportation benefits and significantly improve the quality of life for local communities.
Government departments have already released the required funds, enabling contractors to mobilize machinery and begin construction activities within the coming weeks. Upon completion, the project is expected to reduce travel time, improve road safety, and provide a more reliable transport network for one of South Punjab’s key road corridors.