Lahore: Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique has announced significant progress in the Punjab Development Program, spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Speaking at a review meeting at the Civil Secretariat, Rafique stated that 90 out of 110 approved underground water tanks have been completed across 51 cities, along with 88 out of 124 drainage systems. The installations aim to facilitate rapid rainwater drainage, and the success has prompted plans to expand storage tank numbers.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the meeting included key officials like Secretary Local Government Zaid Bin Maqsood, Special Secretary Shahid Zaman Lak, Additional Secretary Mehreen Fahim Abbasi, as well as municipal officers and assistant project directors via video link. Rafique discussed future enhancements, including linking water tanks to drains and establishing disposal stations. He instructed that tanks be dewatered post-rain, with precautions against upcoming weather changes.

The meeting also addressed the impact of a recent transporters’ strike on goods supply, with Maqsood issuing relevant directions.