Summary Defence Minister Khawaja Asif highlighted Sialkot’s ongoing development projects, DHQ Hospital cost rise, flood damage, and warned against illegal encroachments and waste dumping.
SIALKOT (Dunya News) – Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed that previous governments focused more on propaganda than on actual development, whereas the current government is prioritizing public service and infrastructure projects.
Addressing a gathering in Sialkot, he noted that several development initiatives are underway in the city. The DHQ Hospital project, approved by Shahbaz Sharif in 2017 with an estimated cost of Rs4-5 billion, has now escalated to Rs9 billion.
Asif also announced that a large park is being constructed on 54 acres of land in Sialkot, and the Ring Road project, costing Rs18 billion, is nearing completion.
He added that Punjab’s development pace stands out compared to other provinces, and the government’s focus on public service will continue.
The federal minister further stated that new projects for Sialkot will be included in the upcoming budget.
He highlighted the damage caused last year due to floods in the city’s three nullahs, attributing much of the destruction to illegal encroachments.
Authorities have removed 7,000 tons of waste from the nullahs, but Asif warned that elements spreading garbage continue to operate. He urged those responsible for illegal constructions to remove them voluntarily, or face government action.
