PSPA to be completely digitalised, says minister

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th May, 2026) The Punjab Spatial Planning Authority (PSPA), in its second meeting, chaired by Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique, decided to gradually shift the process of monitoring land use to Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Special Secretary Arshad Baig, Additional Secretary Quratul Ain and other members of the authority attended the meeting. Director General PSPA Abdullah Nayyar gave a presentation on the affairs of the authority.

Minister Local Government Zeeshan Rafique expressed his determination that the authority would be completely digitalised as per the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. "PSPA’s Planning Support System (PSS) is linked to the Punjab government’s e-Biz portal. Now, applications can be made online for approval of residential schemes", he observed. He said that this is the era of AI, that is why all the services of PSPA are also digital. Zeeshan Rafique said that there is no need to recruit additional staff in the districts for the Special Planning Authority, instead the implementation of the authority’s policies will be done through the district administration and municipal staff.

He said that violations can be detected through PSS. The Minister added that the Project Management Unit (PMU) completed the master planning of all cities of Punjab in just two years. "Alhamdulillah, today an authentic database of cities of Punjab has been prepared. Commercial use of land will not be allowed without the approval of the authority" he resigned. Zeeshan Rafique said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz wants practical implementation of new standards in the province. That is why the Chief Minister of Punjab formed the PSPA to protect green areas.

During the meeting, Secretary Local Government Punjab Shakeel Ahmed Mian said that the financial management of the authority should be formed under the PSPA Act. He also directed that transparency should be ensured in the affairs of the authority.