UPDATE (Feb. 19, 2021): An investment of a whopping PKR 353.43 billion in construction projects in Punjab is expected to generate economic activities worth PKR 1767.15 billion, Prime Minister Imran Khan was reportedly told at a weekly meeting of the National Coordination Committee for Housing, Construction and Development. The economic boost is expected to create 315,678 jobs in the province.
Chief Secretary of Punjab Jawwad Rafiq also told the premier that applications for construction projects over 87.03 million square feet in Punjab had been received. Here’s the breakdown for the new projects according to cities: Lahore (38%), Metropolitan Corporation (22%), Rawalpindi (18%), Faisalabad (11%), and Multan (10%). Rafiq added 11,349 out of 17,692 applications received regarding construction had been approved.
The heart of Pakistan – Punjab – has always been famous for its unique culture, swaying green spaces, mesmerising tourist destinations including the hill station of Murree, and of course, vibrant bazaars with scrumptious food spots, especially in Lahore. Not to mention, the province is home to wide and green boulevards and some of the most leading-edge mass transit systems in the country. Continuing with the same pace of development in the province, the government has already initiated and plans to launch several mega projects in Punjab.
Being Pakistan’s most trusted source of information, we’ve taken this opportunity to compile a comprehensive list of some grand projects in Punjab. So, without taking any more of your time, let’s discuss these projects in detail so you can have a better idea about where the province and Pakistan are heading.
List of Mega Projects in Punjab
Keeping aside the pace of development, if you’re wondering how spatial development patterns can directly affect the social and economic status of an ordinary person – you need to know a few things in advance. Firstly, development in roadworks and transportation changes the way people communicate, travel, and manage their expenses. It facilitates the speedy and effective transfer of solutions across the nation and enhances the productivity of a country. Secondly, these investments facilitate trade through the rapid transportation of goods and products. On top of everything, the focus on provincial growth favours equality in access and opportunity.
Now that you have completely understood the need and effects of provincial developments, let’s get back to where we left off. Here’s a list of some significant development projects in Punjab:
- Boosting Tourism in Punjab
- Business Hub in Lahore
- Using Solar Energy
- Fish Farms Near River Ravi
- Lahore Master Plan 2040
- Tallest Building in Lahore
Boosting Tourism in Punjab
The city of gardens, which has always been a top choice for migrants, has gradually become a hotspot for tourists over the past decade or so. With top-notch additions to its tourist attractions such as the Dolphin Show, the city is becoming a magnet for several commercial investors.
From some of the best parks to delectable desi foods, Lahore continues to surprise all of us. Not to mention, the city of gardens ranks high on the world crime index, beating universal capitals like Washington DC and London. Being among the safest cities in the world, with the current safety index at 61.57, Lahore is the ultimate choice for tourists who wish to explore the real history of Pakistan. As a part of several grand projects in Punjab, the government has recently finalised the construction plan of a London-Eye-inspired ride in Lahore named Lahore Eye.
Originally, this ride – also known as “observation-wheel” – is situated on the River Thames in London. Mimicking the geographical location of the ride as it is, Lahore Eye will be constructed on the Ravi River.
Emphasising the importance of the project, the Chairman Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Rawalpindi Asif Mehmood said, “Lahore Eye aims to promote tourism in Punjab”. During the same event, the official revealed a little information regarding the project and said, “It will be constructed on River Ravi under a private-public partnership model.”
In addition to Lahore Eye, the PHA also intends to launch several tourism boosters in Tila Jogina, Rohtas Fort, Fort Munro, Soan Valley, and Koh-e-Sulaiman. While the beautiful village of Kallar Kahar and mega-dam projects like Kala Bagh Dam have also got attention. The official has announced that these spots in the province have been declared as a tourist destination and will witness significant developments over the next six months.
Now, since we’re talking about tourism in Punjab, we cannot miss mentioning the corridor of peace. Meanwhile, the Government of Punjab is diligently working to rehabilitate and restore other historical and spiritual places such as:
- Darbar Sahib Narowal
- Birthplace of Nankana Sahab
- Rori Sahib Gujranwala
- Punjab Sahib Hasanabdal
- Dera Sahib Lahore
- Sucha Soda Sheikhupura
Punjab’s Minister for Tourism and Sports Rai Taimoor Bhatti said that by planting the seeds of such attractions, the province will be able to enjoy the fruits in terms of elevated trade, employment opportunities, and innovative business ideas. He further said that the government also aims to facilitate tourists by providing technical support through a smart-phone application, which will also be used as a tool for raising awareness about various attractions in the province.
To put it all together in line with the tourism policy in Punjab, the government has placed particular emphasis on three main aspects:
- Attracting tourists through offering world-class services in Punjab
- Magnifying the real essence of the province through the restoration of old architecture
- Attracting foreign investment by activating tourism
On a side note, if you are in the city for the weekend with your family, head over to our recently published blog on places to visit in Lahore with children and have a memorable time there.
Business Hub in Lahore
Sounds like the city of gardens is going to weigh a little more in Lahore VS Karachi Debate! Taking into account the safe streets and roads, the list of grand projects in Punjab also includes commercial projects that will make Pakistan the fastest growing economy in the world. In this regard, Lahore is set to play a game-changing role by featuring a variety of investment options for traders and foreign investors.
As a primary part of important projects in Punjab, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has decided to turn Gulberg into a central business district. The authorities have already given an open invitation to architects and local entrepreneurs to collaborate with the state. The project is in its initial stages, and the urban renewal of the area has already begun.
In order to carry out the initial phase of the project in Gulberg, LDA officials are working in collaboration with several experts, student committees, and local entrepreneurs. Presenting the proposal for turning this area into an aesthetically pleasing space falls under the responsibilities of experts from the NCA, while the business community and traders are encouraged to pitch in their innovative ideas.
Using Solar Energy
Ever wondered why the top countries in the world are adopting a sustainable lifestyle? Wonder no more. We’ve compiled the need for using natural resources efficiently in this part of the blog. Driven by the need for sustainability, the Government of Punjab has decided to convert various electricity sources of the city of gardens from petroleum and fossils to solar.
As a part of mega projects in Punjab, the government has decided to go solar as a means of sourcing affordable and efficient power solutions for residents of the city. The provincial Minister of Industries and Commerce Mian Islam Iqbal has given an open invitation to private institutions to alleviate the dependency on hazardous sources of energy. The minister revealed the primary areas to be converted to solar, which includes industries, offices, and schools. He also assured that the government is ready to provide all kinds of support to anyone willing to contribute to the prosperity of the province.
The project will majorly eradicate power problems while uplifting the living standards of a commoner in the province. Upon close magnification of the project, we can clearly see that by solving the electricity problems of major institutions, we can get closer to our national target of a hundred percent hike in production and services. This elevated bar of uninterrupted production and quality services will ultimately contribute to growing the volume of trade and the national GDP.
Fish Farms near River Ravi
Just when you think that the government is doing fine with the developmental pace, the Government of Punjab raises another bar of competition for the rest of the provinces. Among the list of grand projects in Punjab, a fish farming project along the bank of River Ravi has become a hot topic for investors in and outside Pakistan.
The government aims to attract foreign investment through this project as these farms will be aligned with international standards of construction, and the territory will be fully reserved for overseas Pakistanis. The project has already taken its initial steps, and the officials have announced that the land for setting up fish farms will be given on lease via license through a one-window operation.
Lahore Masterplan 2040
While people are preparing their new-year resolutions for the prosperity of Pakistan, the Government of Punjab has amazed us with preparations and planning for the coming two decades. The officials have invited people to share and contribute their valuable suggestions to the Lahore Master Plan 2040. According to a statement issued by the LDA Director General Amna Imran Khan, the plan intends to meet the requirements of people living in Lahore. Being at the centre of the plan, citizens are fully encouraged to float their ideas for the development they want to see in the next 20 years.
The call for suggestions has activated several private and public institutions to collaborate for the greater good. Right after the successful execution and implementation of a traffic management system in Lahore, the Traffic SP Mr. Asif indicated that arrangements for better transportation are also in the pipeline. Not to mention, the role of the Water and Sanitation Authority and Traffic Management Department have also be enhanced in the plan.
Tallest Building in Lahore
Walking hand-in-hand for the commercial growth of Pakistan, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) is going to add another attraction to the skyline of the city of gardens. The city has historically welcomed immigrants and people seeking better living or education. To focus more on this aspect, Lahore needs to grow in a vertical direction.
Nobody can deny the fact that Lahore is host to quite a few historical and architectural wonders. However, the city is also going to witness a modern addition to its infrastructure, courtesy of a brand new structure being added to the list of famous skyscrapers of Pakistan. The LDA has already issued a NOC for the construction of the high-rise tower, while the location selected for this mammoth structure is nestled in the busy neighbourhood of Johar Town.
Spreading over 44 kanal, the 45-storey high-rise is going to be the second tallest building in the country, giving a good competition to Karachi’s tallest buildings. The high-rise is likely to feature commercial centres, head offices, and a five-star hotel. It just doesn’t end here since the building will be equipped with a sufficient parking space and a greywater treatment plant.
Over the past decade, urbanisation has rather become a challenge due to the lack of smart-planning, both on our and the government’s part. With very limited choices in location, business people end up buying or renting a less-wanted space for their business, which eventually leads to less consumer attraction. With such a magnificent project in the heart of Punjab, several traders will move their businesses to the country’s iconic building. So, it is only natural that the said choice will result in increased trade and investment, benefiting the overall economic situation of Pakistan.
We will keep tracking the progress of these mega projects in Punjab, so don’t forget to bookmark this page to remain updated. For more informative posts, subscribe to Zameen Blog. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit us up at blog@zameen.com. Make sure to like our Facebook page.
