LAHORE: Although the caretaker government’s role is typically seen as temporary but as the interim Punjab government’s tenure stretched from the constitutional timeframe, it decided to take up the challenges of unparalleled political and economic uncertainty and claims to have delivered tangible results through swift development for the people of Punjab.

The outgoing interim Punjab government has documented its endeavours ranging from the construction of vital infrastructure projects to the revitalization of healthcare facilities and the implementation of innovative environmental initiatives in a book “Punjab 2023: A Resurgence” – a visual journey of developments in the province.

The government states Punjab provided tangible and meaningful support to the federal government in achieving the target commitments under the ongoing IMF programme. In particular, the size of total commodity debt had ballooned to Rs629 billion at end of Jun 2022 and was expected to reach Rs950 billion by the end of June 2023. To address this, the government managed the commodity debt by retiring debt worth Rs469 billion and ensured food security and easing out of the fiscal space for the current and future years.

In order to curb further debt accumulation and enhance operational sustainability, the government implemented measures such as limiting wheat procurement, timely servicing of commodity debt, addressing procurement and release price differential to avoid further accumulation of debt and transitioning from general to targeted subsidies or social protection programs.

The climate-related risks were recognized and Punjab Green Financing Strategy was formulated and approved by the government.

The interim government rejuvenated various facets of infrastructure ranging from road networks and bridges to transportation systems, sports facilities and the refurbishment of old buildings.

Based on the theme “healing lives, nurturing health”, the interim government made a strategic choice to prioritise the refurbishment and modernization of the aging hospital and breathe new life into existing facilities. The interim government boasts about revamping and restructuring some six million square feet of hospital space with a staggering investment of Rs49 billion across the province.

The interim government restored and preserved religious sites, ancient temples, gurdwaras, mosques and Sufi shrines.

The interim government embraced cutting-edge technology for crime prevention, detection and response. It empowered the police with advanced surveillance systems to predictive analytics to help it stay ahead of emerging threats and effectively combat criminal activities. It launched Safe City projects in Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Rawalpindi. It worked on Smart Safe Cities Phase-I, Police Khidmat Markaz, Special Initiative Police Stations, renovation of police stations and Police Tahaffuz Markaz. The government expanded the Central Business District in Lahore and established Business Facilitation Centres in all major cities.

In 2023, the interim government established a bio gas plant in Gujjar Colony with a cost of Rs640 million to produce 600 cubic meters of gas daily. It established the Lahore Global Village as well as revamped the Lahore Zoo and the Safari Park.

Outgoing Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi says, “We embarked on a journey of transformation, aiming to tackle the pressing issues facing our province.”

Punjab chief secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, commending the role of Planning and Development Board chairman Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, stated each development scheme approved and implemented reflected the government’s unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive growth and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2024