LAHORE: Dedicate zones are being planned across Punjab for business activities to centralise major commercial operations and address civic issues caused by scattered development, Dawn has learnt.’

“We have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA). Under this, on the request of PCBDDA, we have allocated land for business zones in the master plans of all districts across Punjab,” a senior official of the Local Government & Community Development Department’s Project Management Unit told Dawn on Wednesday.

“The data-driven areas have been specified, though the design and planning of these zones fall under PCBDDA’s responsibility,” he added.

The official explained that the master plans aim to regulate city growth scientifically and sustainably, allocate land for various uses and address urban needs like traffic congestion, inadequate open spaces, and infrastructure demands.

“These plans will tackle haphazard growth and ensure harmonious distribution of activities while saving precious land through zoning,” he said.

The PMU has also prepared master plans for Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sargodha and Multan development authorities.

“All plans have been notified, except Rawalpindi’s, which will be finalized by month’s end,” he said. Lahore’s master plan remains the responsibility of the Lahore Development Authority.

LGCD Secretary Mian Shakeel Ahmad confirmed the initiative, stating that allocating areas for CBDs at district headquarters will boost business activities province-wide. “Plans for 11 districts have been approved and notified in phase-1, with the rest to be finalized by year-end,” he said.

LWMC: The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) claims to have executed its zero waste operation during Eidul Fitr days, ensuring a clean and hygienic environment across the city. Supervised by the Punjab government, the operation ran continuously from Chand Raat to the third day of Eid on Wednesday. To maintain exceptional cleanliness standards, the company deployed over 15,000 sanitation workers and more than 1,400 vehicles in three shifts across Lahore. The entire operation was monitored in real time through the central control room, ensuring efficiency and transparency.

The company senior officials paid field visits to inspect the cleanliness drive, interacting with sanitation workers and distributing Eid gifts and sweets to recognize their dedication. They emphasised a zero-tolerance policy over ensuring cleanliness that was strictly enforced to provide citizens with the highest sanitation standards. Special measures were implemented to ensure a pristine environment throughout Eid.

The officers reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the Suthra Punjab initiative, ensuring exemplary cleanliness in both urban and rural areas. More than 1,500 Eidgahs and grand mosques received dedicated sanitation services, including water sprinkling and lime powder application on roads leading to Namaz-i-Taraweeh locations. Additionally, over 268 graveyards were assigned special cleanliness teams.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2025