Punjab approves $3.5 billion infrastructure plan for water, roads, and rural upgrades ahead of monsoon.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a major infrastructure push across the province, including 358 underground water storage tanks, 328 wastewater treatment plants, and upgrades to roads, sewers, and street lighting, with projects underway in multiple districts. The initiative, part of a Rs500 billion development program, aims to improve drainage, recharge groundwater, and support irrigation, with urgent work focused on completing systems before the monsoon season. The Model Village Project will invest Rs59 billion in 485 villages, starting with 200, enhancing rural sanitation and clean water access. A crackdown on unauthorized hoardings and fuel price profiteering is also underway, while officials emphasize that recent petrol price increases were necessary due to global conditions.