Updates

CBD PUNJAB CELEBRATED 14TH AUGUST WITH FULL SPIRIT

Punjab Central Business District Development Authority celebrated 14th August with high spirits. Team CBD Punjab came together and showed their love for their motherland on Pakistan’s 75th birthday with high zeal. A flag raising ceremony was held at the CBD Punjab House. The entire Team CBD Punjab was draped in white and green and the enthusiasm for the day could be felt in the air. The recitation of the national anthem and the hoisting upwards of the flag of Pakistan left everyone proud with high emotions. The COO of PCBDDA, Brig. (Retd.) Mansoor Ahmed Janjua gave a heartfelt speech about the various sacrifices made for our country and the lessons that we can learn from these sacrifices. This was followed by a speech by the CEO of PCBDDA, Mr. Imran Amin, whose words were stressed on the continuation of great efforts for our country, the true value that Pakistan possesses, and other motivational points that was concluded by a roaring applaud from the entire team. Team CBD Punjab took to digital media by posting a tribute to the country via a popular national song whose each line was sung by a different member of the team. The video showed the diversity yet collectiveness of the team and was an enjoyable experience for all those involved. Also on the digital platform, CBD Punjab paid tribute to the legacy of Pakistan by posting for fourteen days, one key developmental milestone from Pakistan’s rich history. Similarly, a radio campaign was run from 12th to 14th August, in which the voiceover greeted the nation on its 75th Independence Day, also mentioning CBD Punjab as one of the development milestones for Pakistan.

TWO-DAY TRAINING SESSION ON LIFE SUPPORT AND FIRE SAFETY CONCLUDED AT CBD HOUSE

On July 7, 2022, a training session on Basic Life Support and Fire Safety was conducted by PCBDDA, in collaboration with the Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122. The two-day long training session was conducted at CBD Punjab House, in this session directorate heads, mid-level management and ancillary staff of CBD Punjab underwent hands-on training in basic life support and fire safety. The employees of CBD Punjab were given a complete briefing on basic life support by seasoned rescue professionals of Rescue 1122.

MIAN ASLAM IQBAL CALLED UPON MEETING WITH CEO CBD PUNJAB ALONG WITH HIGH-LEVEL DELEGATION

To discuss the progress of CBD Punjab, newly appointed Provincial Minister for Housing Urban Development Public Health and Engineering Punjab, Mian Aslam Iqbal met the Chief Executive Officer of CBD Punjab, Mr. Imran Amin. Secretary Housing Punjab Mr. Shakeel Ahmed, COO of CBD Punjab Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, Executive Director Commercial of CBD Punjab Mr. Mohammad Omer were also present during the meeting. Mr. Imran Amin gave an overview of ongoing and previous activities of the authority. The housing minister was also briefed about the upcoming future projects of the authority which will turn out to be a great contribution to the development of the province. The Provincial Minister has lauded the pace of development work and ensured the full support of the Punjab government for the completion of the projects.

YOUNG ARCHITECTS VISIT CBD WALTON SITE

Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA) has always encouraged young graduates to come forward and play their part in the development of the country. PCBDDA has provided many opportunities for aspiring graduates to polish their skills for shining careers. To give a hands-on experience to young architects an on-site open house session was arranged for the final year students of the Architecture Department from Beaconhouse National University. Young & inspiring architects were given a detailed tour of the site with a briefing about the project during their visit. PCBDDA arranged a special session and briefed the students on how to bring forward their architectural perspectives and highlighted the positive aspects of the future of the said degree. PCBDDA is profound in the betterment and development of the country and considers the youth to be the future’s driving force.

CEO CBD PUNJAB MET THE NEWLY ELECTED CHIEF MINISTER PUNJAB

On July 29, 2022, to discuss the ongoing development and future projects of CBD Punjab, the newly elected Honorable Chief Minister Punjab, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi called upon a meeting with Mr. Imran Amin, CEO of CBD Punjab along with a high-level delegation. During the meeting, CM Punjab was given a detailed briefing on ongoing and future projects of CBD Punjab. Mr. Imran Amin also highlighted the significance of the project in the development of Punjab. Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi ensured the full support of the Punjab Government for the completion of the project.

DEVELOPMENT AT THE CBD PUNJAB SITE

The development work is gaining pace day by day in Pakistan’s first and most anticipated business district, Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab). The development progress is on full throttle on 1200 kanal business district located at the confluence of Gulberg, Model Town and Ferozepur Road. CBD Punjab is the main attraction for the business community of the provincial metropolis of the largest and most populous province. Parking issues are a major threat of choking traffic flow authority has started construction of a state-of-the-art parking plaza at CBD Punjab. Construction working is entering new phases passing each day. Excavation work for the multi-story parking plaza has been completed. In the next phase drilling for base pillars, a concrete bed has been laid. CBD Punjab has maintained international quality standards in the construction of the parking plaza. Water seepage is known to be a weak point of any architectural masterpiece; authority has ensured waterproofing in the base work to avoid any damage to the massive structure. To counter traffic hazards and ensure smooth traffic flow towards the district from adjourning areas of the city with the consultation and assistance of Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and Traffic Engineering & Transport Planning Agency (TEPA), a traffic plan for CBD is being formalized as well. To promote a green environment, authority has also relocated a small forest of +5000 samples at the CBD Punjab site.

DG NLC VISITS CBD WALTON SITE

To witness and discuss the ongoing development progress at CBD Punjab, Director General of the National Logistic Cell (NLC) visited the project site, accompanied by PD NLC (Central) and SPM NLC. The delegation was given a detailed briefing about ongoing infrastructural work and its progress. Mr. Riaz Hussain, Executive Director Technical Directorate of PCBDDA updated DG NLC about the ongoing construction and excavation of the parking plaza. Chief Executive Officer, Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), Mr. Imran Amin, Chief Operating Officer (PCBDDA), Brig (R) Mansoor Janjua and the concerned directorate heads of PCBDDA were also present at this occasion. During the visit, DG NLC showed satisfaction with the pace of development work. CEO PCBDDA also appreciated the support and pivotal role of NLC in the infrastructural development of CBD Punjab.

LCBDDA EXPANDING HORIZONS AS PCBDDA: ENTRUSTED TO ESTABLISH MORE CBDS ACROSS PUNJAB

On August 24, 2022, Punjab Assembly passed the amendment bill of expanding the Lahore Central Business District Development Authority (LCBDDA), to all over Punjab with a clear majority. After the approval of the bill, LCBDDA has been renamed as Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA). The authority has proven itself as a national asset and will work to boost economic activities in major economic hubs like Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Sahiwal, & more for the development of Punjab.

CBD PUNJAB – KSA SIGN MOUs FOR BILATERAL PROJECTS

A high-level business delegation, led by the then Prime Minister of Pakistan, visited Riyadh in October 2021. Later in July 2022, prominent Saudi businessmen and entrepreneurs were invited by Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT). The delegation was led by Chairman Saudi-Pak Business Council, H.E. Mr. Fahad Al Bash. A team of CBD Punjab accompanied the delegation in their visits to Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. The fruitful sessions brought success to PCBDDA as CBD Punjab signed a contract for bilateral cooperation with a notable Saudi construction group for infrastructural project for public development at the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority.

SAUDI DELEGATION VISITS PAKISTAN

To bolster economic ties in diverse fields including construction, agriculture, livestock and the social sector; a high-profile business delegation of the Saudi Pak Business Council led by their respected Chairman, H.E Mr. Fahad Albash visited Punjab on June 2022 ,24. An exclusive meeting was organized by the Punjab Board of Investment and Trade in honor of the Saudi Business Delegation to discuss the potential investment opportunities and new business avenues in the province. The session was attended by H.E. Mr. Fahad Al Bash followed by the members of the Saudi Business Chamber, Dr. Javed Ahmed Qazi, Secretary Industries Punjab, Mr. Imran Amin, CEO of Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), Mr. Ahmer Malik, CEO Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT), Mr. Amjad Ali Awan, CEO Punjab Public Private Partnership Authority (PPPPA) and other renowned industry leaders of Punjab. A presentation concerning the overall investment opportunities in Punjab regarding special economic zones, public-private partnership projects, Central Business District Punjab, Ravi Urban Development Authority, Agriculture, IT and energy sectors were displayed to the valued delegation. H.E. Mr. Fahad Al Bash, Chairman Saudi-Pak Business Council mentioned in his address that “Saudi and Pakistani business communities are not two separate entities, these are two brothers and this meet-up is a family reunion. Punjab is a land of opportunities with immense potential for growth. I am pleased to know that the people of Punjab are extraordinarily talented and skilled. There are two million Pakistanis working in various fields in Saudi Arabia and playing a pivotal role in Saudi economic development. It is clearly visible in the presentations that the province of Punjab is a room full of possibilities especially with a project like the Central Business District can be materialized for government to people, government to government and people to people business collaborations for mutual growth of both countries”.

PCBDDA HOSTED A MEETUP TO STRENGTHEN TIES WITH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as CBD Punjab, hosted a meetup in the honor of the business community, developers, and industry thought leaders, in association with the Ministry of Housing, Urban Development, Public Health and Engineering to strengthen the business relations and ties with existing & potential investors at CBD Punjab. Senior Provincial Minister, Mr. Mian Aslam Iqbal graced the event as Chief Guest. The event was attended by the Chief Executive Officer of PCBDDA - Mr. Imran Amin, COO PCBDDA - Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, Mr. Mian Mehmood Ur Rasheed – Minister for Local Government & Community Development, Mr. Ahmed Javed Qazi – Secretary Industries, Commerce & Skill Development, Mr. Asif Jah – Chairman PBIT, senior representation of the business community, other government officials, foreign diplomats, real estate developers & industry thought leaders along with directorate heads of PCBDDA. While addressing the event Senior Provincial Minister Punjab, Mian Aslam Iqbal said that “The province of Punjab, has a pivotal role in the development of Pakistan. Our core focus is to provide a comprehensive business environment all across the province to attract more and more investment in Punjab. A business hub like CBD Punjab has its own unique significance in the development of the province. The project is fully supported by the Government of Punjab and we believe that this project will take Pakistan to new heights”. He further added, “The authority has achieved great milestones in a short time span which is the reason that we have expanded its jurisdiction all over Punjab”. He requested the investors to come forward and start their projects in CBD Punjab. Mr. Imran Amin, Chief Executive Officer of PCBDDA briefed about ongoing and future projects of CBD Punjab. He stated that “CBD Punjab is a celebrated success, and it is only due to the trust of the business community. We have already achieved our first-year target and have aimed higher for the upcoming year. The expansion of CBD Punjab to all over the province is the trust of the Punjab Government in the authority. This expansion will give new heights to the development pace of Punjab”. Prominent industry leaders such as Mr. Gohar Ijaz, Mr. Anwaar Ahmad Khan, Mr. Fawad Mukhtar and Dr. Salman Shah also attended the event. Speaking on behalf of the business community, Mr. Gohar Ijaz said that “CBD Punjab is a fully composed business hub that has all the traits of business ease. I foresee this project as a multi-million-dollar project because it has a room full of opportunities for a secure investment. Commercial hubs like CBD Punjab will prove itself as an economy booster for Punjab. The economic development potential of CBD Punjab has gathered government authorities and the business community on the same page to utilize the investment opportunities in Pakistan’s first business district to get maximum output. Punjab Government has ensured its full support and instructed that no stone should be left unturned for the completion of the project. The session was concluded with the distribution of recognition mementos among the business investors and directorate heads of PCBDDA.

CBD PUNJAB ADVOCATES DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES TO PUNJAB ACADEMIA THROUGH DEV TALK

Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as CBD Punjab, is committed in uplifting the economic well-being of Punjab and believes the youth to be the driving force of this commitment. The authority is working on the agenda of national development and the authority has initiated multiple projects for youth to polish their professional skills. As an affirmation of its commitment CBD Punjab conducted its first-ever Development Discussion Forum called the “Dev Talk” at The Beaconhouse National University Lahore. The reason behind CBD Punjab Dev Talk was to involve the academia of Punjab to become advocates for ongoing projects of CBD Punjab and provide them with sought-after insights behind the creation of Pakistan’s first business district and development landscape in Punjab. The keynote speakers for CBD Punjab Dev Talk were Executive Director Commercial PCBDDA, Mr. Mohammed Omer, Executive Director Technical PCBDDA, Mr. Riaz Hussain and Director Business Development PCBDDA, Mr. Ali Waqar Shah and Director Architecture PCBDDA, Mr. Sameer Aftab. Mr. Mohammed Omer, Executive Director Commercial PCBDDA, started the session by highlighting the core need for the establishment of Pakistan’s first and most anticipated business district. In his address, he stated “CBD Punjab is working on the business model to use the barren government-owned land for wealth generation to raise capital for the development of Punjab. We have secured an investment of Rs 58.89 billion in a short time span. CBD Punjab is a room full of opportunities for a secure investment in Punjab, it is a business hub that will reform the urban regeneration and development landscape of the province.” He further added that the vertical expansion of cities is the future, promotion of vertical architecture and modern urban planning is the solution to many problems. CBD Punjab’s core mission is to transform the future for a better tomorrow. Executive Director Technical PCBDDA, Mr. Riaz Hussain said “CBD Punjab is introducing new and modern construction practices. Infrastructure development is gaining pace day by day and soon we will witness some great architectural masterpieces in CBD Punjab. We have almost completed the base work for a state-of-the-art parking plaza. Along with that, 25% of the infrastructure work is also completed. We have ensured that high-quality modern techniques are implemented in the district.” He also shed light on the issue of fire fighting in high-rise buildings, water scarcity and the authority’s plan to counter them. He also told the audience that CBD Punjab is the only LEED-certified real estate project in Punjab. While talking about investment potential opportunities in CBD Punjab, Director Business Development PCBDDA, Mr. Ali Waqar Shah said, “Authority has successfully registered the project as an epitome of secure investment in the region due to its unique, favorable and endless possibilities. We have promoted vertical construction and high-rise buildings which no other real estate project has done. CBD Punjab is the face of the city and the center of attraction for domestic and international investors, with the expansion in the jurisdiction of authority to all over Punjab, we are no more restricted till establishing business districts. We are working on new business models like JV, PPP and REIT to get maximum investment for the development of Punjab. The session was concluded with a question-answer session which cleared many queries and ambiguities about CBD Punjab. At the end of the session Executive Director Commercial PCBDDA, Mr. Mohammed Omer presented an honorary shield to Mr. Shahid Hafeez Kardar, Vice Chancellor Beaconhouse National University. The audience applauded this initiative taken by CBD Punjab and appreciated the steps taken by the authority for the development of the province. The attendees also emphasized that such informative sessions should be organized frequently as they are a fruitful source of passing on information about development projects in the region.

DG NLC REVIEWED PROGRESS OF INFRASTRUCTURAL WORK AT CBD PUNJAB WALTON SITE

Director General National Logistic Cell (NLC), Major General Yousaf Jamal visited CBD Punjab Walton Site to review infrastructural work in progress. Chief Operating Officer of Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, Executive Director Technical (PCBDDA) Mr. Riaz Hussain, and the support staff of CBD Punjab were also present. DG NLC was briefed in detail about the progress of the ongoing construction work by Mr. Riaz Hussain. During the briefing, he talked about the completion of the excavation, column work, steel fixtures and concrete pouring for the raft of the under-construction parking plaza along with the overall infrastructure work in progress. While sharing his views during the visit, DG NLC said “I can witness the progress in the construction of the parking plaza and infrastructure development. The synchronization between the consultants and CBD Punjab site support team is laudable which has made the construction work flawless”. He further added that as a contractor, NLC will ensure that international standards are being implemented throughout the construction process. High-end quality standards and procedures are being observed during the construction of the parking plaza and infrastructure development at the CBD Punjab Walton site, which is a step forward in turning the dream of an economically stable Pakistan into reality.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT EXPEDITES AT CBD PUNJAB WALTON SITE

Punjab Central Business District Development Authority, (PCBDDA) also known as CBD Punjab, has proven its significance in the development of Punjab, through its unique business approach and investment potential. Authority has strengthened its commitment to strive for the development and betterment of the province by expediting the development work at the CBD Punjab Walton site. The authority has started the construction of a state-of-the-art parking plaza to combat the problem of traffic congestion and ensure easy mobility in Pakistan’s first business district situated at Gulberg, Main Boulevard, Lahore. PCBDDA has onboarded a team of seasoned professionals to ensure international standards are being implemented in the construction of this architectural masterpiece. CBD Punjab’s technical team is working days and nights for the timely completion of the project, along with National Logistic Cell (NLC) as the official contractor, whereas Dar-ul-Handasa and Asian Con. JV as design consultants. NESPAK is performing the duties of project management and supervision for this project. To ensure the core strength and durability of the parking plaza every minute detail is being covered in the construction of the base structure. Excavation work has been completed with steel fixtures, rafting and waterproofing. Approximately 1800 m3 (cubic meter) of concrete has been poured into the raft of the plaza. To accelerate the process of concrete pouring 33 transit mixers have been deployed on the site with a workforce of 100 skilled laborers. Out of a total of six batching plants, two are installed at the CBD Punjab project site by NLC and the remaining four plants are installed by STRONG and TETRA in the vicinity of Gajjumattah, Lahore. Shuttering, steel fixtures, rafting and construction machinery are thoroughly inspected under the supervision of CBD Punjab site team and NESPAK. CEO PCBDDA, Mr. Imran Amin has said, “The main reason for constructing a parking plaza at the initial stage was to complete the base work of underground portion of the parking plaza to execute smooth paving of CBD Boulevard. Our consultants have ensured that best international practices are to be carried out during the construction process. This is just a glimpse of the engineering wonders and architectural masterpieces that the world will witness. I believe every structure in CBD Punjab will be an epitome of excellence for Punjab”.

CEO CBD PUNJAB BRIEFS US AMBASSADOR ABOUT PROJECTS

A delegation of the U.S Consulate General led by the U.S Ambassador in Pakistan, Mr. Donald Blome, met with Mr. Imran Amin, Chief Executive Officer of Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), to discuss the bilateral business ties between governments and business communities of both countries. The delegation was briefed about ongoing projects and the futuristic approach of Pakistan’s first business district, CBD Punjab. The delegation was also given a detailed presentation about the investment potential opportunities, environmental and economic significance of CBD Punjab in the development of the province. Mr. Imran Amin, CEO PCBDDA while expressing his views said, “The interest of foreign governments and the international business community is a corroboration that CBD Punjab has made a positive impact on the global economic map. CBD Punjab is a novelty in the development of an economically stable and welfare state of Pakistan’’.

HON. CM PUNJAB LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE FOR CBD PUNJAB BOULEVARD

Chief Minister Punjab, Chaudhary Pervaiz Elahi laid the foundation stone of CBD Punjab Boulevard & remodeling of Kalma Chowk Underpass on Sunday, October 30, 2022. The project of 365-meter-long boulevard is worth Rs 4.2 billion which will be constructed in two phases within 180 days. CBD Punjab Boulevard will provide a signal-free corridor from Barkat Market and Ali Zaib Road to Jail Road. The master plan is designed to give a hassle-free easy entry and exit to Pakistan’s first business district. During his address at the event, CM Punjab said that “We are stabilizing Punjab as a developed economic welfare province. Public relief and well-being are our utmost priority. PCBDDA has secured a prominent spot in the development of Punjab. That is the reason we have expanded the jurisdiction of authority to all over Punjab”. He further added that Punjab Government is extending the working scope of public relief to all over the province and has ensured complete support for the projects of public interest. The ceremony was graced by the CEO of PCBDDA, Mr. Imran Amin, COO of PCBDDA, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, Directorate Heads of PCBDDA and staff members of the National Logistic Cell (NLC).

Opening Kalma Chowk Underpass for Traffic in Record Time - An Impressive Achievement by CBD Punjab

The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), has achieved a noteworthy feat by making both lanes of the Kalma Chowk Underpass functional in a record-breaking time of just two and a half months. This underpass, the longest in Pakistan, was made available for traffic before PSL 8 Lahore matches started. The project was entirely funded by CBD Punjab. The event was graced by the presence of Chief Minister Punjab, Mr. Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Provincial Minister for Excise, Taxation, Communication, and Works Punjab, Mr. Bilal Afzal, Commissioner Lahore, Mr. Mohammed Ali Randhawa, COO PCBDDA, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, Executive Director Technical PCBDDA, Mr. Riaz Hussain, Executive Director Commercial, Mr. Mohammed Omer, Technical team of PCBDDA, staff members of PCBDDA, NLC, and other government officials. The technical team of CBD Punjab worked tirelessly, day and night, to complete the impossible task of ensuring that the underpass was ready for use. The team's primary goal was to provide maximum relief to the public and reduce hindrances in the daily commute of the citizens of Lahore, as directed by the Chief Minister of Punjab, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi. The team has worked at a pace of almost 50 beam piles per day. During a project briefing, the Executive Director Technical PCBDDA, Mr. Riaz Hussain, explained that the existing water storage tank at Kalma Chowk Underpass is inadequate to handle an additional estimated 14 cusec rainwater from the two new barrels. To address this, the authority plans to build a storage tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons at Saint Mary Park. This water will be filtered and reused for various purposes, particularly for irrigation of parks and horticulture. It will substantially impact the environment by controlling water wastage, soil erosion, and water pollution and reducing inherent flooding issues. The water storage tank will provide a reliable water supply during emergencies and will also help to replenish groundwater levels. The COO of CBD Punjab, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, expressed his delight and announced that both lanes of the underpass were open for traffic before the PSL 8 matches in Lahore, as per the authority's commitment to timely completion of the project. He also acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the technical team, along with the official contractor, National Logistic Cell (NLC), in utilizing all available resources to ensure that both lanes of the underpass were functional for traffic. CBD Punjab's accomplishment of making both lanes of the Kalma Chowk Underpass functional is a testament to its commitment to providing high-quality infrastructure for the public. The Executive Director Technical of CBD Punjab, Mr. Riaz Hussain, also acknowledged the remarkable job done by the technical team and NLC in making Kalma Chowk Underpass functional before the given timeframe.

Exploring New Business Ties for Punjab's Economic Boost: A Bilateral Discussion between PCBDDA and FIEDMC

At CBD Punjab House, Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA) and Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development & Management Company (FIEDMC) held a formal meeting to discuss the establishment of new bilateral business ties between the two entities to explore domestic and foreign investment opportunities in Faisalabad. The meeting was attended by senior officials from both organizations, including PCBDDA CEO Mr. Imran Amin, FIEDMC Chairman Mr. Waseem Afzal, and FIEDMC General Manager Mr. Rana Muhammad Yousaf Chairman PCBDDA Mr. Fazeel Asif Jah, COO PCBDDA Brig. (R) Mansoor Ahmed Janjua, along with other directorate heads and officials. During the meeting, the investment potential of Faisalabad was highlighted, and the development initiatives undertaken by CBD Punjab were praised for their significant impact on the province's development landscape. The meeting shed light on new avenues in textile, sports, auto parts, agriculture, modern urbanization, and other development sectors. PCBDDA CEO Mr. Imran Amin reiterated CBD Punjab's commitment to increasing Pakistan's economic growth by aligning new business avenues for people across Punjab district. Both entities discussed ideas based on JV, profit, and land-sharing business models to attract lucrative investment for the development of Punjab. Chairman FIEDMC Mr. Waseem Afzal also praised CBD Punjab's capabilities to become an economic engine of the province, envisioning the project as a multi-billion initiative. The meeting concluded with the understanding that all potential investment opportunities should be utilized to the maximum for the economic development of Punjab. Concerned departments and authorities were encouraged to dynamically explore new business avenues to accelerate the province's economic pace.

Senior Govt. Officials Visit to Review Progress of CBD Punjab Boulevard and Kalma Underpass Remodeling.

Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi visited Kalma Chowk Remodeling Project Site to review the progress of the project. Ex Commissioner Lahore, Mr. Amir Jan, presided over a meeting to review the progress of the Kalma Chowk Underpass Remodeling Project and other development initiatives of the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA). Caretaker Provincial Minister for Excise, Taxation, Communication and Works Punjab, Mr. Bilal Afzal and Commissioner Lahore Division, Mr. Muhammad Ali Randhawa chaired several meetings for the same purpose, on the directives of Caretaker CM Punjab Mohsin Naqvi. Secretary Housing & Urban Development, Capt. (Retd.) Muhammad Zafar Iqbal also visited the site of Kalma Chowk Underpass remodeling. These meetings were attended by several high-ranking officials from the PCBDDA, City Traffic Police Lahore, WASA Lahore, PHA Lahore, PTCL, LESCO, Metropolitan Corporation Lahore, PSCA Lahore, and other concerned departments. During these meetings, Mr. Riaz Hussain, Executive Director Technical of PCBDDA, provided updates on the development progress of the Kalma Chowk Underpass Remodeling Project. He highlighted the progress of pile beam work from Saint Mary Park to Center Point and pile beam excavation on Ali Zaib Road. He further assured the attendees that the authority has taken all necessary measures to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow. Speaking to the media on one of his visits, Commissioner Lahore emphasized the significance of CBD Punjab and its potential to attract substantial investments for the infrastructure and economic development of Punjab. He directed the management of CBD Punjab to expedite the work on the Kalma Chowk Underpass Remodeling Project and ensure timely completion. He also appreciated the Authority for devising an excellent traffic diversion and public safety plan, adding that he will personally monitor the project's development progress. CEO PCBDDA, Mr. Imran Amin, expressed his commitment to completing the project before the deadline to facilitate daily commuters. He highlighted the expansion of Main Boulevard, which will transform into a centralized boulevard to mitigate traffic congestion and environmental hazards. He also noted that the authority has meticulously planned the project in compliance with high-rise buildings and vertical city expansion, which will result in a positive change for the residents of Lahore. Commissioner Lahore instructed all concerned departments to work collectively and extend full support for the project's timely completion. He emphasized that development projects like Kalma Chowk Underpass Remodeling and CBD Punjab Boulevard have immense potential to propel Lahore to the list of developed cities worldwide.