Pakistan, Jan. 25 -- The Punjab government has launched practical measures to prevent short circuits and fatal accidents caused by hazardous overhead power cables, with Lahore selected for the first phase of a comprehensive underground cabling initiative.

Chairing a special meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved a citywide plan to remove dangling and unsafe electricity wires, directing that a pilot project be completed in the inner city ahead of Basant to avert any untoward incidents during the festival.

The meeting reviewed proposals to divide Lahore into three zones for phased underground cabling. A principle decision was also taken to make underground electricity supply mandatory in all new housing schemes. The chief mi...