Lahore: Punjab Minister for Law Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan on Thursday chaired a review meeting on the progress of the Model Villages Project in Kasur district, where officials were directed to ensure timely completion of all development works with strict adherence to quality standards.
Senior officials of the Punjab Rural Municipal Services Company (PRMSC) and other relevant departments briefed the minister on the project’s implementation.
The meeting was informed that development work is underway in 25 villages across Kasur under six development packages at an estimated cost of Rs2. 98 billion. The project is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2026. The villages include Gagga (UC Chak No. 29), Dina Nath, Nathe Khalsa, Hanjarwal Chak 31, Tara Garh and Baghiana Village Chhambar, among others.
Officials said the project envisages the provision of safe drinking water, modern sewerage networks, wastewater treatment systems, paved streets, solar-powered streetlights, children’s parks and other essential municipal facilities aimed at transforming rural settlements into modern, well-equipped communities.
The meeting also reviewed the financial and physical progress of each development package, the status of tendering and ongoing construction activities. Participants were informed that work had commenced on several packages, while the re-tendering process for some components was under way.
Addressing the meeting, Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan directed the authorities concerned to complete all schemes within the stipulated timeframe while ensuring the highest standards of quality and transparency. He said the Punjab government, under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, was committed to providing rural communities with civic amenities comparable to those available in urban areas.
He described the Model Villages Project as a landmark initiative that would strengthen rural infrastructure and significantly improve the quality of life of local residents.
The minister said access to clean drinking water, proper drainage, paved streets, parks and modern civic infrastructure was the right of every citizen, adding that the provincial government was utilising all available resources to achieve this objective.
He also directed officials to closely monitor all development works, ensure there was no compromise on construction quality and promptly address public complaints to ensure that the project’s benefits reached the people without delay.
The meeting was attended by Rana Javed Iqbal, Rana Shehzad Iqbal, Assistant Commissioner Pattoki Nishtar Rehman Lodhi, Divisional Coordinator Azhar Dewan, District Coordinator Mazhar Yaseen and other officials.