Lahore: Husnain Aulakh, Special Correspondent
Director General of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), Tahir Farooq conducted visits to various parts of the city to review ongoing development and upgradation initiatives. The DG carried out a detailed inspection of Ferozepur Road from Chungi Amar Sidhu to Kalma Chowk. He also reviewed development works underway under the sustainable development model along Khayaban-e-Jinnah in Johar Town. During the visit, Tahir Farooq directed the NESPAK team to prepare remodeling designs for the areas outside General Hospital, Children’s Hospital and Gulab Devi Hospital to improve traffic flow, pedestrian facilities and overall urban outlook. He further instructed authorities to remove encroachments in front of properties along Ferozepur Road and to ensure facade upgradation in accordance with approved urban design standards.
Speaking on the occasion, the DG LDA stated that work is in progress on upgrading footpaths and adjacent properties around key junctions on Khayaban-e-Jinnah under a sustainable urban development model. He directed that, in coordination with the district administration, encroachments and illegal parking be eliminated to ensure smooth traffic movement. A sample façade upgradation model for properties along Ferozepur Road was also ordered to be installed for review. Later, the DG LDA visited Main Boulevard Garden Town and Khurshid Kasuri Road to assess development conditions. The Project Director, Director Architecture and other concerned officials accompanied him during the inspections.

Lahore: Husnain Aulakh, Special Correspondent | ReNews Pakistan
Following the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a key meeting was held under the chairmanship of Housing Secretary Punjab Noor-ul-Amin Mengal to ensure the uninterrupted supply of clean drinking water to citizens during the holy month of Ramadan. The meeting reviewed a comprehensive strategy to keep all water filtration plants under the Punjab Clean Water Authority fully operational.
The Housing Secretary instructed that the provision of safe and high-quality drinking water to citizens must not be disrupted under any circumstances. Relevant authorities were directed to remain on high alert and keep field teams fully mobilized. He emphasized that regular cleaning and maintenance of water filtration plants must be ensured to maintain the highest water quality standards.
During the meeting, the CEO of Punjab Clean Water Authority provided a briefing on the proposed plan and outlined arrangements to meet the increased water demand during Ramadan. The Housing Secretary further instructed that the monitoring system be strengthened to ensure the prompt resolution of any public complaints, and that any issues related to plant malfunctions be addressed immediately.
Secretary Housing Noor-ul-Amin Mengal made it clear that no negligence will be tolerated in the water supply system. He stressed that clean drinking water is a fundamental right of every citizen, and providing high-quality water is a core responsibility of the government. He added that ensuring the provision of safe water is the foundation of a healthy society, and all relevant departments must fully perform their responsibilities.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Government has approved a substantial stamp duty relief to support the real estate sector and encourage property registrations. Under the new policy, original allottees of properties in cooperative housing societies will enjoy full exemption from stamp duty, while other buyers registering properties will benefit from reduced rates.
The concession rates are as follows: • 1% stamp duty for registrations completed by 31 January 2026
• 2% stamp duty for registrations completed by 28 February 2026
• 3% stamp duty for registrations completed by 31 March 2026
The initiative aims to revive the property market, provide financial relief to buyers, and promote legal formalization of property ownership. Officials stated that the relief is part of broader efforts to simplify property transfer procedures and encourage investment in housing.
District authorities and revenue offices have been directed to facilitate property registrations under the new rates and ensure smooth implementation of the policy across Punjab.