Punjab to restore gurdwaras, churches and temples with Rs1.5bn fund

The Punjab government has approved development schemes worth Rs96 billion, with most of the funds earmarked for rural transformation and urban infrastructure upgrades.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Provincial Development Working Party, where officials outlined a plan to improve living standards across the province.

According to the approved package, Rs72 billion will be spent on building model villages in rural areas. These villages will include better housing, improved public services, and modern community facilities.

Authorities said the project aims to reduce the rural-urban gap and ensure balanced regional development.

In addition, Rs1.5 billion has been allocated for preserving Punjab’s religious and cultural heritage. The amount will be used for the renovation and protection of gurdwaras, churches, and temples.

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Officials stated that restoring these historic sites would not only safeguard religious diversity but also promote tourism and provide better facilities for worshippers.

A further Rs22.47 billion has been set aside for upgrading sewage and stormwater drainage systems in several cities. Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Multan are among the main beneficiaries.

Projects will also target Khanewal, Kamoke, Vehari, and Wazirabad to tackle urban flooding and sanitation challenges.

Officials noted that these schemes are part of a broader push to modernise infrastructure, improve service delivery, and create sustainable urban and rural communities. They emphasised that timely completion would be essential to ensure the projects bring tangible benefits to residents.