Bahawalpur: Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia visited the under-construction Chunri Making Centre Cluster Infrastructure Development Project at Abbas Nagar on the outskirts of Bahawalpur to review the progress of construction, quality standards, pace of work, and overall implementation of the project.
During the visit, the commissioner directed the concerned officials to ensure the highest construction standards and complete all development work within the stipulated timeline so that the project could become operational for the benefit of the public without delay.
Accompanying the Commissioner were Director Small Industries Rao Munir Ahmed, Assistant Commissioner Bahawalpur Saddar Hamza Ehtesham, Deputy Director (Technical) Waqas Muhammad Din, and other relevant officials. The project team briefed the Commissioner on the ongoing construction activities, progress achieved on various components, and the upcoming phases of development.
According to the briefing, the Chunri Making Centre is being established to support Bahawalpur’s traditional artisans, promote the region’s indigenous handicraft industry, and provide modern facilities to craftsmen associated with the centuries-old art of Chunri making. Upon completion, the project will help preserve and promote the traditional craft while offering artisans an improved working environment, technical training, modern production facilities, and enhanced marketing opportunities for their products. Officials informed the Commissioner that the project is being executed at an estimated cost of Rs352.9 million, with completion scheduled for 2027.
The briefing further revealed that a substantial portion of the boundary wall has already been completed. Brick masonry work at the Project Director’s residence has reached the door lintel level, while construction of the Administrative Block has progressed beyond the plinth level, with work on the superstructure continuing at a steady pace. Foundations for five of the ten planned Artisan Halls have been completed up to the plinth level, while foundation work for the overhead water tank has been completed and construction of its supporting columns is currently underway.
After inspecting the site, Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia instructed the concerned departments to ensure that no compromise is made on construction quality and that all development activities are completed according to the approved schedule. He emphasized the need for transparent, efficient, and responsible utilization of public funds so that the project is completed on time and creates new opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and economic development for Bahawalpur’s local artisans, particularly those engaged in Chunri making. The Commissioner added that the Punjab Government is undertaking practical initiatives to promote traditional industries and improve the livelihoods of local craftsmen. He described the Chunri Making Centre as a landmark project that will not only preserve the region’s rich cultural heritage but also contribute significantly to strengthening the local economy through the development of the traditional handicrafts sector.