Punjab has made a landmark achievement by becoming the first province in Pakistan to fully automate its development system, a significant step towards modernising governance. The province has also launched a groundbreaking solarisation programme aimed at transitioning agricultural tube wells to solar energy.
While addressing the Punjab Assembly Standing Committee on Planning and Development on Thursday, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb outlined the province’s ambitious steps in leveraging technology for governance.
“The monitoring and review of development projects are now conducted daily using advanced technology. With the support of China, Punjab plans to expand the use of technology across governance and all sectors,”
The session, which was chaired by PML-N MPA Shahbaz Ali Khokhar, also saw the participation of senior officials and committee members. Ms. Aurangzeb highlighted the province’s advancements in data-driven governance, noting that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz actively monitors development-related data in real time through an online portal.
“This data-driven governance model is designed to streamline project implementation and reduce delays,”
In addition to modernising governance, Ms. Aurangzeb also presented a vision for equitable and sustainable development across the province.
“Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is resolute in ensuring equitable development beyond political affiliations,”
Marriyum Aurangzeb added, revealing that the provincial government has earmarked an unprecedented budget of Rs844 billion for public development projects.
Reforms in Punjab’s healthcare sector are already underway, including the upgrading of basic health units, modernising divisional and district-level hospitals, and expanding healthcare facilities to underserved areas.
“For the first time, Punjab is introducing a comprehensive model that integrates environmental sustainability with industrial and agricultural growth. This holistic approach is aimed at fostering long-term economic and ecological balance,”
Marriyum Aurangzeb noted. To support this initiative, the government is distributing subsidised and instalment-based agricultural machinery to farmers, enabling them to boost productivity.
In an effort to address urban issues, the provincial government plans to replicate Lahore’s advanced waste management system across all districts.
“This initiative will standardise sanitation protocols, improve public health, and enhance urban aesthetics,”
Planning and Development Department has also introduced measures to combat Punjab’s persistent smog issue. According to Ms. Aurangzeb, over the past nine months, initiatives such as introducing zigzag kiln technology, banning plastic bags, prohibiting crop residue burning, and controlling toxic industrial emissions have contributed to noticeable improvements in air quality.
Other than that, Punjab’s government has officially launched the Punjab Solarisation for Agricultural Tube Wells Programme. This initiative aims to reduce farmers’ reliance on expensive grid electricity by transitioning tube wells to solar power, thus promoting energy independence and cost efficiency. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz provided further details on the programme, saying,
“Approximately 8,000 agricultural tube wells across Punjab will be converted to solar energy under this programme.”
The government has allocated Rs9 billion in subsidies to facilitate this transition. Farmers will receive financial assistance of up to Rs500,000 for tube wells with a capacity of 10 kW, Rs750,000 for those up to 15 kW, and Rs1 million for tube wells with capacities of up to 20 kW. “The programme is open to landowners with a minimum of one acre of agricultural land,” she added.
Farmers can apply for the solarisation of their tube wells online at “cmstp.punjab.gov.pk” or download the application form from “www.agripunjab.gov.pk.” The simplified application process is designed to encourage widespread participation and reduce bureaucratic obstacles.
Chief Minister Nawaz expressed hope that this programme would provide much-needed relief to farmers by alleviating the financial burden caused by soaring electricity bills.
Source: Dawn News
