Maryam Nawaz halts Punjab Model Village project, orders probe
The Rs40 billion scheme for 800 villages has been halted, a minister says it will be replaced, and an anti-corruption inquiry is examining fake firms and Sargodha payments.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif ordered the Punjab Model Village project suspended over corruption and fraud allegations.
The scheme was planned for 800 villages at an estimated cost of Rs40 billion, with 400 villages in phase one.
Contractors were reportedly paid Rs3.5 billion for Sargodha division work, where over 65 percent of planned work was reportedly not done.
Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq said the project was discontinued and will be replaced by a new initiative.