LAHORE: The Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) on Friday approved the creation of model villages (Misali Gaon) through improved municipal services in Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, Gujrat, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, and Sahiwal at an estimated cost of Rs71.92 billion.

The working party’s 19th meeting, chaired by Punjab Planning and Development Board Chairman Dr Naeem Rauf, also approved four sewerage and storm water drainage improvement schemes for Khanewal, Kamoke, Vehari, and Wazirabad under the Punjab Development Programme with an estimated cost of Rs22.475 billion.

The PDWP also approved a development scheme for conservation and preservation of gurdwaras, churches, and mandirs as part of the special initiative in the religious tourism sector with an estimated cost of Rs1.5 billion.

The meeting was attended by P&D Board Secretary Rafaqat Ali, Chief Economist Masood Anwar, Local Government Special Secretary Asia Gul, P&D Board members and other senior officers.

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2025