PHA promotes public-private partnerships to enhance revenue generation

LAHORE, Jul 12 (APP): Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) has directed its newly established district horticulture agencies to formulate district-specific revenue mobilization strategies and increase own-source revenue to

ensure financial sustainability.

The directive was issued by Additional Director General Mirza Waleed Baig during an extensive visit to the newly created district agencies, which came under the PHA umbrella following the authority’s restructuring last year. The visit was undertaken on the directions of Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmad.

During the visit, Mirza Waleed Baig held meetings with managing directors of the district agencies, reviewed their operational performance and assessed progress on administrative, financial and developmental matters.

He stressed that financial self-reliance was essential for the sustainable functioning of the district agencies and directed them to identify local revenue opportunities while preparing strategies in accordance with the applicable legal framework.

The additional DG noted that established horticulture authorities generate significant own-source revenue through the regulation of outdoor commercial advertisements, including billboards, shop signboards and digital displays. He said additional income is generated through the leasing and auctioning of PHA-owned commercial properties as well as the issuance of right-of-access permissions,

no-objection certificates (NOCs) and other regulatory approvals related to development projects.

He also reviewed proposals for public-private partnership initiatives and encouraged district agencies to adopt innovative models for the development, maintenance and commercial utilisation of parks and green spaces.

Mirza Waleed Baig directed the newly established agencies to maintain close coordination with experienced horticulture authorities to benefit from their expertise and adopt best practices in revenue generation and institutional management.

“Every district has its own commercial character, and revenue strategies should reflect local potential

rather than follow a uniform template,” he said.

The additional DG also reviewed horticulture-related activities, including park maintenance and rehabilitation, beautification drives, seasonal plantation campaigns, nursery development and urban greening projects. He issued on-the-spot directions to remove operational bottlenecks and further improve public service delivery.