Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb recently met with a delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to discuss various development projects underway and in planning stages across Punjab. The meeting focused on key sectors including health, education, agriculture, flood management, climate resilience, and digital governance.
Delegation and Discussion Highlights
The ADB delegation comprised Director AFR Jean Feng Zhang, Country Director Emma Fan, Program Officer Khayam Sohail Abbasi, and Nisanka Salgado. The meeting involved a comprehensive exchange of ideas on development priorities and strategies for the province.
Development Projects and Digital Innovations
Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized that under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, development initiatives are being executed with a focus on transparency, digitization, and strategic planning. She introduced the Punjab One Map, a digital platform integrating data on land, underground assets, population, and infrastructure to enhance planning and management across sectors.
Health and Education
- Demand-based planning for medical districts and modern cath labs is underway.
- Educational facilities are being developed to meet regional needs.
- The Safe City Project is scheduled for completion across all 36 districts by June.
- Delivery of 160,000 homes to citizens is planned within the same timeframe.
Transport and Digital Services
- E-mobility initiatives including metro projects, e-buses, and e-bikes are being introduced in Gujranwala and Faisalabad.
- Approximately 98% of the Social Economic Registry data has been compiled.
- 186 public services have been digitized to improve accessibility.
Agriculture and Environmental Efforts
- Advancements in e-modernization, mechanization, agri-business malls, aquaculture, and shrimp farming have been made.
- Farmers will receive 20,000 spreaders and mulchers this year to reduce costs and promote sustainability.
- Initiatives include flood management, irrigation improvements, climate action plans, cold storage, logistics, and value addition.
- The establishment of the region’s first climate observatory was also highlighted.
ADB’s Response and Future Collaboration
The ADB delegation commended Punjab’s efforts in reforms, digital governance, and agricultural development. They expressed commitment to supporting agriculture, value addition, exports, and fisheries in the province.
Closing Remarks
Marriyum Aurangzeb thanked the ADB delegation for their engagement and extended an invitation for them and their families to attend the upcoming Basant Festival.
