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The Punjab government has decided to introduce the Punjab Prosperous Villages Act 2026 and launch a pilot project in 120 villages to turn them into model villages. The decision was taken at a special meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on October 20, 2026, where officials gave a detailed briefing on the plan to upgrade rural infrastructure and improve living conditions in villages across the province.
The chief minister said her government’s resolve to transform every village of Punjab into a model settlement is unwavering, stressing that the benefits of development will no longer remain confined to major cities but will reach every village as well. She directed that village committees be formed immediately, in consultation with elected public representatives, and that a complete plan be prepared without delay.
Key Details
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| New law | Punjab Prosperous Villages Act 2026 |
| Pilot project | 120 villages in the first phase |
| Goal | Turn villages into model settlements |
| Village committee head | Relevant assistant commissioner |
| Supervision | Deputy commissioner of the district |
| Committee composition | 4 public representatives + 4 government officials |
| Officials include | Headteacher, union council secretary, BHU / Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic doctor, and others |
| Facilities in every village | Sewerage, drainage and paved streets |
| Project guardians | MPAs and party ticket-holders in their respective villages |
| Approved by | Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif — October 20, 2026 |
How the Village Committees Will Work
A village committee will be formed in every village, in consultation with elected public representatives. Each committee will be headed by the relevant assistant commissioner, while the deputy commissioner will supervise all committees and development projects in the district.
Every committee will comprise four public representatives and four government officials, including a headteacher, the union council secretary and a doctor from a Basic Health Unit (BHU) or Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic, among others. According to the chief minister, local residents will be consulted in the development of their own village, and quality and transparency will be ensured at every stage. Members of the provincial assembly and party ticket-holders will act as guardians of development projects in their respective villages.
What Villages Will Get
- Sewerage system: A proper sewerage system will be built in every village covered by the programme.
- Drainage: Drainage facilities will be provided to end standing water and related health problems.
- Paved streets: Streets in every village will be paved, improving daily life and transport in all seasons.
- Local oversight: Village committees, supervised by the district administration, will oversee development work so problems are identified and resolved locally.
The pilot project in 120 villages is the first step; the chief minister expressed confidence that the day is not far when every village of Punjab becomes an example of development.
Why This Matters
Rural areas of Punjab have long complained that development funds and infrastructure projects are concentrated in big cities. The Prosperous Villages Act 2026 is designed to change that by giving villages a legal framework, a dedicated local committee and basic civic facilities — sewerage, drainage and paved streets — that many villages still lack. If the pilot in 120 villages succeeds, the model is expected to be extended across the province.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Punjab Prosperous Villages Act 2026?
It is a new law the Punjab government has decided to introduce to upgrade villages across the province. In the first phase, a pilot project will turn 120 villages into model villages with sewerage, drainage and paved streets.
Who will head the village committees?
Each village committee will be headed by the relevant assistant commissioner, and the deputy commissioner will supervise all committees and projects in the district.
Who will be members of a village committee?
Each committee will have four public representatives and four government officials, including a headteacher, the union council secretary and a BHU or Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic doctor.
When will the pilot project start?
The chief minister has demanded the immediate formation of village committees and a complete plan, so the pilot in 120 villages is expected to begin soon. Official lists of the selected villages will be announced by the government.