LAHORE: Cities across Punjab were illuminated with decorative lights and religious-themed displays as the Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) arranged special decorations to mark Eid Milad-un-Nabi, filling public spaces with festive and spiritual displays. As part of its annual celebrations, the PHA installed illuminated signs, decorative structures and religious motifs across all 21 districts under its administrative jurisdiction. Public parks, green belts and other prominent locations were decorated to reflect the religious significance of the occasion while adding a festive appearance to major urban areas. In Lahore, the authority carried out extensive arrangements, including the installation of specially designed billboards and religious-themed displays. Digital campaigns were also launched along important city routes, particularly The Mall and Gulberg, where illuminated decorations attracted public attention. Similar arrangements were made in several other major cities of Punjab. Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Khushab and Rahim Yar Khan were among the cities where parks and public spaces were decorated with colourful lighting and religious artwork. Illuminated domes, Islamic calligraphy, floral arrangements and other decorative features were used to create a festive atmosphere in honour of Eid Milad-un-Nabi. PHA district offices were also decorated with lights and buntings, giving government buildings a distinctive green appearance associated with the sacred occasion. The decorations were prepared ahead of the celebrations, with horticulture teams working to ensure that the installations were completed on time. PHA Director General Ahmad Usman Javaid described the celebrations as a significant honour and blessing. He said the authority had begun preparations several weeks before the occasion, with its horticulture and field staff working extensively, including overnight, to complete the arrangements. The celebrations were accompanied by discussions on the future administrative and financial direction of the authority’s newly established district agencies. During a separate meeting, Director General Javaid instructed the district agencies to prepare individual revenue-generation plans aimed at improving their financial sustainability. The initiative is intended to help reduce the agencies’ dependence on government funding while allowing them to generate resources according to the economic potential of their respective areas. The meeting reviewed the operational performance of the district agencies, administrative arrangements and progress in organisational development. Officials highlighted the importance of establishing financially sustainable institutions capable of meeting part of their expenses through locally generated revenue. Javaid directed the agencies to identify potential sources of income within their districts and develop strategies according to local commercial conditions. He stressed that all revenue-generating activities must remain within the relevant legal and regulatory framework. According to the PHA chief, Punjab’s districts have different economic and commercial characteristics, meaning that a uniform revenue model may not be suitable for every area. He said agencies should instead develop plans based on the opportunities available locally. For instance, districts with substantial commercial activity could generate revenue through the regulation of outdoor advertising. Other districts may have greater opportunities to lease underutilised government land or develop public-private partnerships for the construction, operation and management of parks. The PHA leadership said the objective was to create stronger and more financially independent district institutions while continuing to improve public parks, green spaces and horticultural services across Punjab. The Eid Milad-un-Nabi decorations and the accompanying administrative initiatives reflected the authority’s efforts to combine public-space beautification with longer-term institutional development.
