Province-Wide Plan for Unified Roads and Public Spaces
The Punjab government has approved a new infrastructure and design policy titled “One Punjab, One Standard” to bring a uniform look and feel to cities and towns across the province. The decision was taken in a special meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where officials briefed her on the need to move away from the patchwork style of past development projects.
Under the new policy, every highway, sidewalk and signboard in Punjab will gradually be developed according to a single, attractive and high-quality design. Instead of different colour schemes, fonts and materials being used in each district, the government wants a province-wide framework that looks modern, disciplined and easy for citizens to recognise.
International-Standard Roads, Green Belts and Sidewalks
Officials told the meeting that roads, green belts and sidewalks will now be planned and built under a unified set of guidelines. These standards are meant to be aligned with international best practices in urban planning, focusing on safety, accessibility and aesthetics.
In practical terms, this could mean consistent lane markings, standardised streetlights, coordinated planting in green belts and clearly designed pedestrian walkways. For road users, the aim is to create a network that feels organised and predictable, whether they are travelling in a major city or a smaller town. For pedestrians, better sidewalks and safer crossings are expected to improve the overall walking experience and reduce accidents.
Standard Designs for Schools, Hospitals and Public Buildings
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also directed authorities to standardise the design and basic facilities of key public institutions. This includes government schools, hospitals, bus stops and other civic buildings that citizens use every day.
The goal is for Punjab to present a cohesive and modern identity where public infrastructure sends the same message of order and quality, regardless of location. Standard designs can help ensure that classrooms, waiting areas, washrooms and service counters meet minimum benchmarks for space, ventilation and comfort. For hospitals, this may include clearer signage and more user-friendly layouts, while bus stops could get uniform shelters, seating and lighting.
The meeting also reviewed ideas to introduce common designs for roadside kiosks and small shop cabins. Such steps are intended to reduce visual clutter along roadsides and create a more organised commercial environment.
New Authority and Design Manual for Urban Standards
To implement the policy effectively, the Punjab government is considering the creation of an autonomous authority dedicated to infrastructure standardisation and urban design. This body would be responsible for drafting, updating and enforcing the common standards across departments and districts.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered the preparation of a detailed design manual that will lay out the approved colour schemes, materials, dimensions and layout guidelines for different types of projects. Once this manual is completed, it will act as a reference document for planners, engineers and architects working on public-sector schemes.
Maryam Nawaz said that under the new approach, Punjab will be recognised by a single colour palette and a unified standard. She stressed that every street should be well-organised, every highway visually appealing and every institution a model of discipline and order.
What Standardisation Could Mean for Citizens
For ordinary citizens, the “One Punjab, One Standard” policy could bring several practical benefits over time. A more consistent urban design can make it easier to navigate cities, find public services and understand road signs. Cleaner, better organised streets and green belts can also improve the visual appeal of neighbourhoods and contribute to a sense of civic pride.
Standardisation may also help reduce waste and cost overruns in government projects, since departments will be able to use shared templates and specifications instead of starting from scratch each time. However, effective implementation will require close coordination between provincial and local bodies, careful enforcement and regular updates to the design manual as needs evolve.
Officials at the meeting gave a detailed briefing on different aspects of infrastructure standardisation, and further decisions are expected as the policy moves from planning to on-ground execution in the coming months.
