LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to introduce the Punjab Prosperous Villages Act 2026 and launch a pilot project in 120 villages to improve rural infrastructure and living conditions across the province.
The decision was taken during a special meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday, where officials presented a detailed briefing on a plan to transform villages into model settlements.
During the meeting, the chief minister approved the formation of village committees in consultation with elected public representatives and directed officials to prepare an immediate plan for establishing the committees.
According to the proposed framework, the committees will oversee local development initiatives. The relevant assistant commissioner will head each committee, while the deputy commissioner will supervise the committees and development projects.
The briefing stated that each committee would comprise eight members, including four public representatives and four government officials. The officials would include a headteacher, a union council secretary and a doctor from a basic health unit or Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic, among others.
The proposed development initiatives include the installation of sewerage and drainage systems and the construction of paved streets in every village.
Speaking during the meeting, Maryam Nawaz said the provincial government was committed to transforming villages across Punjab into model settlements. She said development benefits should extend beyond major cities to rural communities.
The chief minister said local residents would be consulted during the planning of village development schemes, adding that quality and transparency would be ensured throughout the implementation process.
She further stated that members of the provincial assembly and party ticket-holders would oversee development projects in their respective villages.
Expressing confidence in the initiative, the chief minister said the government aimed to transform every village in Punjab into a model of development.
The proposed pilot project in 120 villages is intended to serve as an initial step towards improving rural infrastructure and access to essential facilities across the province.