A World Bank team visited the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company (PMDFC) to discuss the modalities of the proposed Punjab Inclusive Cities Program (PICP) for 20 cities of the Punjab. The preparation mission was led by Amena Raja (Senior Urban Specialist and Team Leader) and included key experts such as Carlo Alberto Amadei (Water Specialist), Suhaib Rasheed (Senior Urban Specialist), Azhar Ud Din (Environment Consultant), Nida Asif (Environmental Specialist), Syed Ibrahim Ali Shah (Consultant), and Syed Farrukh Ansar (Senior Program Assistant). During the meeting, the team engaged in comprehensive discussions about the program's scope and the critical interventions necessary to achieve both environmental and financial sustainability. They focused on the criteria-based selection of cities, the targeted outcomes, and key design elements, as well as the next steps for preparing the Punjab Inclusive Cities Program (PICP). The program, which is planned for 20 cities across the province, is estimated to cost USD 400 million. The project will include the development of comprehensive sewerage networks along with wastewater treatment facilities, ensuring that cities have effective and sustainable sanitation solutions. Additionally, the program will provide drinking water supply networks to improve access to clean water, while also establishing stormwater drainage systems and implementing water conservation measures to address urban flooding and water scarcity. The initiative will further involve the creation of infrastructure aimed at solid waste reduction, including material recovery facilities, and proper waste disposal through engineered landfill sites. To ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the project, revenue enhancement strategies will be introduced for the ongoing maintenance and scaling of these interventions. Syed Zahid Aziz, MD PMDFC, along with his team, provided a comprehensive briefing to the mission delegates. He shared that PMDFC has already begun preparing a gap analysis and cost estimates for the proposed interventions. Out of the 20 cities under consideration, assessments for seven cities have been completed, while the remaining cities are on track to be finalized within the agreed timeline.