Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has revived the long delayed M12 Motorway project, declaring it a priority initiative to enhance regional connectivity and drive economic growth.
The motorway will link Sambrial, currently the endpoint of the Lahore/ Sialkot Motorway with Kharian, creating a vital connection within the country’s North South Motorway Network. The project is being advanced through coordinated efforts involving the Public Private Partnership Authority, National Highway Authority (NHA), and the Ministry of Communications.
According to an official update, the six lane motorway is expected to significantly reduce travel time on key routes while improving the movement of both commuters and commercial transport.
Officials say the project will play a crucial role in strengthening trade and logistics by connecting industrial hubs with major population centers. The improved infrastructure is also expected to support local businesses and stimulate broader economic activity across the region.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has reaffirmed her commitment to transforming barren lands across the province into productive economic zones under the government’s ‘Blue Economy Programme.’
Reviewing progress on shrimp farming projects, the chief minister expressed satisfaction over the pace of development in Sargodha Estate, Ali Wala and Shah Garh, and appreciated the teams for accelerating work.
In Sargodha, major milestones have been achieved, including the excavation of 118 ponds, installation of 116 tube wells, and completion of land clearing and surveys across 365 acres. Construction of a warehouse is nearing completion, while work on the administration block and feed store is progressing steadily. The overall project covers 500 acres.
At the Ali Wala shrimp estate, 90 percent of the allocated 1,267 acres has been cleared. Out of 737 ponds, 642 have been excavated, while drainage infrastructure is 91 percent complete. MDC drains have been fully developed, alongside a 9 kilometre road network. Earth filling work has reached 80 percent, and foundations for key facilities, including offices, hostels, warehouses and labour residences, have been laid.
Meanwhile, the Shah Garh shrimp farm has also recorded substantial progress, with 90 percent of water supply systems completed, electrification at 95 percent, and access road construction at 97 percent. Technical experts have submitted their reports, confirming the viability of the projects.
The chief minister highlighted that promoting aquaculture and shrimp farming in line with international standards would not only rehabilitate unused land but also generate employment and enhance export potential.
She noted that the Blue Economy Programme represents the first government-backed initiative in Punjab to introduce a modern, scientific approach to shrimp farming.
Experts involved in the project have found local water temperatures suitable for cultivation, while ongoing feeding and supplement practices are yielding encouraging results in both quality and output.
Maryam Nawaz reiterated that the initiative would play a key role in positioning Punjab as a leading hub for aquaculture in the region.

Lahore: [Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan]
The elected leadership of the DHA Estate Agents Association and senior realtors from the market held an important meeting with the top management of DHA Lahore, which was described as highly positive and productive.
The meeting was attended by DHA Lahore Administrator Brigadier Kashif, Phase 10 Project Director Brigadier Altaf, Secretary DHA Brigadier Abdul Rauf, and Colonel Amir, along with other officials. Key community related issues were discussed, with a detailed exchange of views on making the property transfer process more efficient and user friendly.
During the meeting, various options were also explored to create new business opportunities through partnerships between DHA management and the business community, aimed at boosting activity in the real estate sector.
On the occasion, a special facility for overseas Pakistanis was also announced. A dedicated counter has been established at DHA offices, where overseas clients can conveniently resolve their property transfer related issues. This facility is also expected to be extended soon through authorized registered dealers.
Furthermore, the meeting reviewed proposals to improve the marketing of properties listed for sale under property exchange, encourage the purchase of multiple properties through a single membership, and restore confidence in the market to enhance business activity.
Participants also expressed hope that the government, through the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), will soon introduce relief in taxes and official rates, which would further improve and stabilize the real estate sector.