Summary Punjab proposes Rs4.23 billion luxury apartment project for officials, while planners question its high cost and expensive facilities and parking design.
LAHORE (Dunya News) - The Punjab government has proposed a Rs4.23 billion residential project to build luxury apartments for government officials, with the scheme included in the development budget for fiscal year 2026-27.
According to official documents obtained by Dunya News, the Services and General Administration Department has proposed constructing the project on 60 kanals and one marla of government land along Burki Road in Lahore Cantonment.
The project includes 24 two-bedroom apartments for government officials. The apartment building would comprise a basement, ground floor and six additional floors, with the building alone estimated to cost more than Rs2.05 billion.
The proposed facilities include a VIP gym, library, indoor games area, seminar room, VIP executive lounge and café. A separate convention hall has also been proposed at an estimated cost of Rs547.2 million.
The convention hall would cover approximately 40,246 square feet, while surface parking for 164 cars and 47 motorcycles has been proposed.
The project also includes more than Rs145.1 million for generators and over Rs55.4 million for a solar power system. External works are estimated to cost more than Rs335.8 million.
According to the documents, more than Rs152.1 million has been proposed for furniture, while Rs10 million has been allocated for gym equipment.
The Planning and Development Department’s technical wing has raised serious concerns over the project’s high estimated cost. Officials questioned the need for imported construction materials and expensive facilities, as well as their projected costs.
The technical wing recommended a review of expenses related to elevators, heating and cooling systems, power generators, solar systems, backup power arrangements and other costly facilities.
The Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) forum also considered the total estimated cost of more than Rs4.23 billion excessive. The documents state that constructing a basement solely to accommodate 26 vehicles was considered an inefficient and costly solution.
Officials directed that surface parking be considered instead, as sufficient land is available at the site. The project has been targeted for completion within 24 months.
