Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
A high-level review meeting on the “Model Village Programme” was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafiq, where the progress of the project and future strategy were discussed in detail. The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Asia Gul, Additional Secretary Ahmar Kafi, and CEO Punjab Rural Municipal Services Company Khurram Pervez, along with other relevant officials.
During the briefing, it was informed that the Model Village initiative is a key component of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s “Sohna Punjab” programme. In the first phase, the upgradation of 485 villages has been initiated. The project has already been approved with a total allocation of Rs 60 billion.
The Minister for Local Government stated that the Punjab Rural Municipal Services Company (PRMSC) has issued work awards for development schemes in 357 villages, while municipal service projects are currently underway in 107 villages.
He further provided details of villages included from different divisions, stating that 41 villages from Sargodha, 44 from Sahiwal, 55 from Gujranwala, 51 from Gujrat, 63 from Multan, 39 from DG Khan, 50 from Lahore, 58 from Rawalpindi, 48 from Bahawalpur, and 36 from Faisalabad are part of the programme.
The meeting was informed that essential services such as sewerage, water supply, street paving, parks, and street lights will be provided in these villages on a priority basis. The Minister emphasised that existing streets and drains should not be demolished during the execution of projects.
He also highlighted that the restoration of traditional village ponds is an important part of the programme, and proper treatment of collected water will be ensured. Immediate steps were directed in this regard.
According to the Chief Minister’s directives, the first phase of the project will be completed by December 31, and all excavation work has been instructed to be finished before the monsoon season.

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
During Eid al-Fitr holidays, a large number of tourists flocked to the hill station of Murree, famously known as the “Queen of Hills,” putting pressure on civic and traffic management systems. Over 70,000 vehicles entered Murree during the festive period, while more than 11,740 tourists received guidance and assistance through various services.
To maintain smooth traffic flow and ensure tourists’ convenience, over 200 officers and personnel from the Traffic Police were deployed across the area. A control room led by Deputy Commissioner Murree Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi coordinated efforts with representatives from Punjab Police, Rescue 1122, Health Department, Traffic Police, Municipal Corporation, Highway Department, and other key agencies.
On the first day of Eid, authorities received 78 emergency calls, including 53 medical emergencies, 7 traffic accidents, and 18 cases of other types. Rescue teams provided first aid to 27 individuals on-site, while 48 patients were immediately transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Murree, Imran Razaq, praised the efforts of 200 traffic personnel deployed during the holidays, highlighting their dedication to maintaining traffic discipline and civic order. He also announced that certificates of appreciation would be awarded to traffic wardens and other staff who demonstrated exemplary performance.
Officials emphasized that such coordinated civic and traffic management measures are essential in popular tourist destinations like Murree to ensure public safety, smooth transport, and a clean, organized environment for residents and visitors alike.

Hasilpur | ReNews Pakistan
The Pakistan Farmers’ Liaison Committee has strongly condemned eviction notices issued to farmers in Chak Katora Farm, Hasalpur, describing them as forced and unlawful. The notices require farming families to vacate their homes within 30 days.
Committee representatives stated that these actions violate the basic rights of farmers and pose a serious threat to the social and economic stability of affected families. They emphasized that such measures cannot be considered legitimate administrative actions but constitute open forced eviction.
The committee urged the government and relevant authorities to immediately withdraw the notices and ensure the protection of farmers’ residential and agricultural rights. They called for prompt negotiations to resolve the issue and prevent unnecessary conflict or legal disputes.
Leaders of the committee warned that if the notices are not withdrawn, farmers will unite for peaceful legal protests to safeguard their land and homes, taking all necessary measures to defend their rights.
Agricultural rights experts noted that eviction notices threaten not only local farming operations but also community stability, making urgent intervention and resolution critical.