The Punjab government has taken a major step towards uniform urban development as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved a province-wide policy to standardize infrastructure and design. The initiative, titled “One Punjab, One Standard”, aims to bring consistency to public spaces, buildings and road structures across the province.
The decision was made during a special meeting chaired by the chief minister, where she approved the creation of a dedicated standardization and urban design unit. An in-principle approval was also given to establish an autonomous authority that would oversee design standards and urban planning across Punjab.
As part of the policy, the chief minister directed officials to prepare a comprehensive design manual. This manual will serve as a guide for uniform construction and visual planning in cities and towns. Officials informed the meeting that standard designs would be introduced for public facilities such as schools, hospitals, bus stops and other government buildings.
The meeting also discussed setting fixed designs for roadside kiosks and small shop cabins to reduce visual clutter. Uniform standards will be applied to roads, footpaths, green belts and signboards throughout the province, ensuring a consistent look and feel across urban areas.
Briefing the chief minister, officials said the plan is aimed at improving infrastructure quality while also enhancing the visual identity of Punjab’s cities. Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the government wants every city to appear organized, attractive and modern, adding that uniform road furniture and infrastructure play a key role in improving urban aesthetics.
