RAWALPINDI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a special grant of Rs250 million for various development schemes in NA-55, said Member of the National Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Divisional President Malik Abrar Ahmed on Thursday.

He said that the grant would be utilised for essential projects including water supply, sewerage systems, road construction and installation of streetlights in the Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment areas.

Speaking to the media, Malik Abrar Ahmed expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stating that the prime minister has always prioritised the development of Rawalpindi and once again taken a historic step to address the long-standing issues of the people in NA-55.

Malik Abrar said that the grant has been distributed among 12 members of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) and three members of the Chaklala Cantonment Board to ensure the timely completion of development schemes across the wards.

Rs23.5 million has been allocated for the construction of a one-million-gallon underground water tank at Shah Baloot Park, Saddar; Rs3.5 million for laying a new water pipeline from Sher Khan Road to RA Bazaar Bridge and Rs4.3 million for installing a 160mm diameter water pipeline from the underground tank in Shalley Valley to Awan Street.

He further stated that Rs84 million will be spent on laying a 200mm diameter sewerage pipeline from Jhanda Syedan to Bhatta Chowk; Rs8.9 million for laying a 200mm water supply line from Bokra underground tank to Islamabad Valley and Rs3.8 million for a 200mm pipeline from the Cheering Cross tank to Lane No. 6.

In addition, Rs10 million has been earmarked for upgrading machinery of underground tanks and tube wells; Rs7 million for installing three new water filtration plants; and Rs15 million for installing new streetlights in wards 1 through 10 of RCB.

Malik Abrar also noted that Rs30 million will be utilised for the construction of a road from the graveyard to Chakri petrol pump.

In Chaklala Cantonment Board, various development schemes will be implemented in wards 7, 8, and 9, including Rs10 million for new streetlights, Rs28 million for replacing deteriorated water supply lines and upgrading pump machinery at tube wells and Rs22 million for constructing PCC streets and laying new sewerage pipelines.

MNA Malik Abrar Ahmed emphasised that this special grant by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will significantly improve basic infrastructure in residential areas of Rawalpindi and Chaklala cantonments and provide much-needed relief to the residents.

He affirmed that the PML-N has always focused on practical development initiatives and will continue its mission of public service in the future.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2025