LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister(CM),Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday inaugurated four development projects worth Rs.5.61 billion in Sahiwal and laid the foundation stone for 10 model agriculture malls across the province.
The projects include the Maryam Nawaz Sports Arena,renovation and beautification of Model Saddar Bazaar, a Model Agriculture Mall and a 27-kilometer Sahiwal-Arifwala dual carriageway.
Thousands of residents, including women and children, warmly welcomed the chief minister upon her arrival and showered flower petals on her vehicle.
During a visit to the Maryam Nawaz Sports Arena,she inspected various facilities,interacted with players,played cricket, kicked off a football game and signed autographs for children.
The arena features padal courts,cricket and football facilities,a caf© and an online booking system. Separate timings have been designated for women and men.
The chief minister also inaugurated the renovated Model Saddar Bazaar, where underground electricity and utility wiring has been introduced for the first time.
The project includes paved walkways,an entrance gate,benches,planters and waste bins to provide a better shopping environment.
At the Model Agriculture Mall,CM Maryam Nawaz inspected modern agricultural machinery,including harvesters, planters and drone-spraying equipment, and interacted with farmers.
Officials briefed her that the facility would provide certified seeds,fertilizers,pesticides,agricultural machinery on rent, technical guidance,training,testing facilities and financial services under one roof.
The mall comprises nine shops,a machinery display area and a training hall.
The chief minister also laid the foundation stone for 10 additional model agriculture malls to be established in Jhang, Faisalabad, Renala Khurd,Khanewal,Jampur Burewala,Sadiqabad,Muridke,Pindi Gheb and Mianwali.
She formally inaugurated the 27-kilometer Sahiwal-Arifwala dual carriageway which officials said will benefit millions of residents across three districts by improving road connectivity.
The CM directed the authorities concerned to accelerate work on other road development projects in Sahiwal.
During the visit,she also interacted with residents, embraced an elderly woman and posed for photographs with children while local elected representatives appreciated the completion of development projects in the district.