Punjab’s Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq announced that the Punjab Cities Development Programme (PCDP), a flagship initiative under the Chief Minister’s vision, will be launched in 66 cities starting from the next fiscal year. The comprehensive programme is designed to address urban infrastructure needs through 2050.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review the project’s roadmap, Minister Rafiq emphasized the strategic importance of long-term urban planning. The session was attended by Punjab Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Additional Secretary Ahmar Kaifi, and senior officials from various districts via video link.
Syed Zahid Aziz, Managing Director of the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC), delivered a detailed briefing on the project’s scope and objectives.
Minister Rafiq highlighted that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the provision of essential municipal services across all cities. He noted that unpaved streets will be developed based on the Lahore Development Programme model. The initiative includes link road rehabilitation, the installation of high-durability lined sewer systems with a lifespan of up to 100 years, and integrated stormwater drainage and storage systems.
Instructing deputy commissioners to implement all steering committee decisions efficiently, Rafiq stressed the importance of awarding contracts exclusively through e-tendering to ensure transparency and quality at every stage.
He also underscored the need to maximize the use of existing human resources, while noting that technical experts may be engaged where necessary. A future phase of the project will expand coverage to an additional 110 cities.
