RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government on Friday set a target to complete and operationalise 700 water filtration plants in Rawalpindi Division by November 30.

A high-level meeting regarding the provision of clean drinking water, water filtration plants and Leh Nullah was held at the Commissioner’s Office, Rawalpindi, under the chairmanship of Punjab Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin.

Member Provincial Assembly Raja Hanif Advocate, Malik Iftikhar, Umair Sadaqat, Commissioner Rawalpindi Salman Ghani, Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Nadeem Nasir, Managing Director Wasa, officials of the Clean Water Authority and officers of other concerned departments attended the meeting.

The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the provision of clean and safe drinking water to citizens across the division, the operational status of existing water filtration plants and ongoing projects.

During a detailed briefing on Phase-I of the Chief Minister Punjab Clean Water Programme, the meeting was informed that 700 water filtration plants would be installed across Rawalpindi Division by November 30, 2026.

According to the officials, 175 plants will be installed in Rawalpindi district, 142 in Jhelum, 207 in Attock, 73 in Chakwal, 28 in Murree and 75 in Talagang.

Punjab Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin directed that, in addition to the newly installed plants, the existing filtration plants must also remain operational.

He instructed the concerned authorities to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the machinery, filters, electricity supply, water quality and other essential facilities at all plants and take necessary corrective measures.

He said no compromise would be made on quality in projects aimed at providing clean drinking water.

He directed the concerned officers to complete all ongoing works within the stipulated timeframe and immediately remove bottlenecks wherever progress was slow.

He further emphasised that, alongside the installation of water filtration plants, an effective system for their regular maintenance and sustained functionality must also be ensured.

The provincial minister directed that comprehensive data on water filtration plants in all districts be compiled, the reasons for non-functional plants identified, and clear timelines established for their restoration.

He said the concerned district administrations and departments should monitor the plants through effective coordination and develop an efficient mechanism for the prompt resolution of public complaints.

He also directed that regular laboratory testing of water quality be ensured and proper records of all test reports maintained.

He further instructed the authorities to prepare a regular maintenance schedule for the timely replacement and repair of filters and other equipment so that all filtration plants remain continuously operational.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2026

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