The Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) has announced plans to develop and rehabilitate parks in 11 newly added districts as part of efforts to expand green spaces and improve urban landscapes across the province.
The decision was made during a meeting held to review the authority’s development plans for the new fiscal year. The meeting was convened on the directions of PHA Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmad and chaired by Additional Director General Mirza Waleed Baig.
The authority will now oversee park development in Jhang, Rahim Yar Khan, Khushab, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Okara, Gujrat, Jhelum, Murree, Khanewal, and Muzaffargarh, following the expansion of its jurisdiction last year.
Baig said upgrading existing parks and creating new green spaces in these districts will remain a top priority during the current fiscal year. He directed district agencies to prepare and implement development projects to improve public parks and urban green areas.
Officials also reviewed ongoing and proposed projects, implementation strategies, monitoring mechanisms, and measures to ensure the timely and transparent execution of development schemes.
The PHA will also launch tree plantation campaigns across all districts, prioritizing indigenous and environmentally suitable tree species.
In addition, the authority plans to create a GIS based digital inventory of urban trees and appoint dedicated tree officers to monitor tree protection, maintain records, oversee compensatory plantation, and enforce newly introduced tree protection regulations. Under the new rules, violations can result in up to one year in prison, a fine of up to Rs. 500,000, or both.
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