Punjab to Expand Parks and Horticulture Authorities to All Districts
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has formally sanctioned the province-wide expansion of the Parks and Horticulture Authorities (PHAs), mandating functional bodies across all districts by January 2027. The sweeping decision, reached during a high-level review meeting in the provincial capital on Friday, aims to institutionalize urban forestry, green infrastructure, and environmental preservation across Pakistan’s most populous province.
During the briefing, officials apprised the chief minister that PHAs are currently operational in 10 districts, while newly created authorities have been established in 11 additional territories. To support the institutional footprint, the provincial administration gave the green light for the recruitment of 2,820 technical personnel, including district managing directors, horticultural experts, and operational staff. Maryam Nawaz underlined that modern governance demands specialized administrative bodies to safeguard public green belts and expand sustainable recreational spaces.
The ambitious move comes amid mounting ecological challenges in Punjab, where rapid urbanization and deteriorating air quality have triggered severe seasonal smog crises. In response, the chief minister ordered district administrations to formulate customized resource plans and execute structured plantation drives spanning cities, tehsils, and rural localities. Furthermore, every district will establish dedicated in-house plant nurseries and introduce monthly seasonal floral schedules governed by rigorous Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to hold officials accountable.
Looking ahead, the provincial government plans to execute the project in distinct stages, with the entire district rollout slated for completion by January 2027 before expanding directly into every tehsil during the second phase. Relevant departments have been instructed to finalize logistical frameworks and initiate the recruitment process immediately, laying the administrative groundwork for sustainable urban management and environmental protection across the province.