The Punjab government has launched a pilot project to eliminate hazardous overhead power lines in Lahore, aiming to prevent short circuits and life-threatening accidents, officials said on Saturday.

The initiative, announced during a special meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, will focus on clearing chaotic and unsafe power lines in densely populated city areas, with the first phase targeting central Lahore.

The project also aims to reduce accidents during the upcoming Basant festival.

“Overhead electric wires may not look dangerous, but they pose a constant threat to human lives,” the chief minister said.

She ordered that all alternative services, including internet connectivity, be ensured while the cables are moved underground.

During the meeting, officials reviewed a proposal to divide Lahore into three zones for systematically undergrounding the city’s electricity lines.

A policy decision was also taken to make underground power supply mandatory in all new housing schemes.

The CM directed an emergency safety plan to prevent short-circuit fires and related fatalities, citing disasters such as the Karachi Gul Plaza fire as examples of the consequences of poorly managed electrical infrastructure.

“Protecting the public is our responsibility,” she said.

LESCO officials briefed the meeting that Lahore currently has 40,000 kilometres of electricity cables and 50,000 kilometres of internet lines crisscrossing the city.

The pilot project will be implemented by a steering committee including Energy Minister Faisal Khokhar, LESCO officials, and housing and administrative authorities.

The project is expected to ensure safer power distribution and reduce the risk of accidents during rainy seasons and public events.