Punjab CM halts Rs40 billion Model Village project over corruption allegations, orders probe

The Punjab government has stopped its Rs40 billion Model Village scheme and ordered a corruption inquiry, Profit by Pakistan Today reported. The initiative was designed to bring infrastructure and public services to 800 villages, with 400 included in its opening stage; over Rs4 billion had reportedly been disbursed for that phase.

Scrutiny centres on Sargodha division, where contractors were said to have received Rs3.5 billion even though more than 65% of the planned development remained unfinished at project sites. Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq said the Anti-Corruption Establishment Punjab would examine tendering, the firms selected and payments tied to incomplete work. Reports also allege that officials and political figures helped create fictitious firms and shape bids; the province says the scheme is discontinued and a replacement initiative is planned.