The Punjab Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP), in its 10th meeting for the fiscal year 2025–26, approved seven forward-looking development schemes and one position paper, allocating a total budget of Rs16.8 billion. Chaired by Dr. Naeem Rauf, Chairman of the Planning & Development Board Punjab, the meeting focused on projects that address sustainable agriculture, afforestation, cultural preservation, public service modernization, and innovation.
The largest allocation, Rs7.82 billion, has been set aside for the Chief Minister’s Program for Water Efficient Agriculture—aimed at promoting smart irrigation techniques to address water scarcity in the province. A major afforestation initiative worth Rs2.84 billion will boost green cover, while Rs2.46 billion will go toward upgrading the Al-Hamra Arts Council and developing the Cultural Complex near Gaddafi Stadium.
Other projects include the establishment of mobile soil testing labs (Rs873 million), mechanization of forestry operations (Rs881 million), and the creation of Makerspace Punjab (Rs1.13 billion), fostering innovation and skill development. The PDWP also approved a position paper for the modernization of Punjab’s policing system, focusing on new posts and vehicles. This diverse portfolio of initiatives reflects Punjab’s strategic investment in sustainability, innovation, public safety, and cultural enrichment.
