Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has introduced a series of significant legal, administrative, and policy reforms during its first two years to improve the real estate and property sector. These measures aim to ensure transparency, protect investors, and eliminate illegal practices in land dealings.
One of the most notable initiatives is the enforcement of the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance 2025, considered a landmark law for safeguarding property rights. Under this ordinance, illegal occupation of land has been declared a punishable offense, and a 90-day timeframe has been set for the resolution of related cases, addressing long-standing judicial delays. Subsequent amendments have further strengthened penalties, including extended imprisonment terms and heavy fines, along with the establishment of empowered district-level committees.
In addition, the Punjab Land Revenue (Amendment) Act 2025 has streamlined revenue-related cases and improved the appeals process. It also grants legal recognition to digital land records and e-governance systems, significantly enhancing transparency in property transactions.
The government has also strengthened regulations in the housing sector through the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (Amendment) Act 2024, aimed at improving urban planning standards and safeguarding the rights of buyers and investors.
Crackdowns on illegal housing societies have been intensified, with new policies prohibiting the advertisement of unapproved schemes, mandating the registration of property dealers, and enabling authorities to freeze assets in case of violations. Institutions such as the Lahore Development Authority have played a key role in enforcing these measures.
Furthermore, amendments to the Punjab Local Government Act 2025 have contributed to better land use management, improved approval mechanisms for housing schemes, and a more efficient property taxation system.
Experts believe that these reforms, along with increased digitization and stricter legal enforcement, are gradually restoring confidence in Punjab’s real estate sector and creating a safer, more transparent environment for investors.

Lahore: ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has decided to separate the access routes between Greater Iqbal Park and Badshahi Mosque in order to improve movement and better manage visitors in the area.
According to sources, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has begun installing modern European-style fencing along the central pathway. This will clearly divide the routes for recreational visitors and those visiting historical landmarks.
The decision was taken during a meeting on the restoration of Old Lahore, chaired by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Under the project, separate pathways will also be designated for visitors heading to key heritage sites, including the Lahore Fort. The initiative is expected to reduce congestion while ensuring better preservation of these historic locations.
PHA officials stated that the project is estimated to cost around Rs. 100 million, and contractors have already begun construction work on-site. Previously, Circular Road was removed to integrate these landmarks into a single unit, but the new plan focuses on improving visitor convenience and enhancing security measures.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
On the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the process of drafting new laws has begun to ensure transparency in the buying and selling of land. Under the proposed regulations, all plot transactions in Punjab will be linked to the Housing Schemes Management System. It has been learned that, in the first phase, the property file system will be abolished in the provincial capital, Lahore. An important meeting was held at the Board of Revenue under the chairmanship of Provincial Minister for Housing Bilal Yaseen, where it was decided that all plot transactions will now be conducted through the Housing Schemes Management System.
Under the new law, the purchase of plots will only be possible after proper location verification and the issuance of a letter by the Punjab Land Record Authority (PLRA). The buying and selling of illegal plots and benami (undisclosed ownership) files will no longer be permitted. During the meeting, the committee was given a detailed briefing on proposed amendments to the laws, and the steps taken by the Director General of LDA were appreciated. The Housing Minister also directed the Local Government, RUDA, and other departments to make necessary amendments to their respective regulations. According to the Senior Member of the Board of Revenue, No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for housing societies will be issued within 90 days, and the reform process will be implemented accordingly. The minister further instructed that the institutional framework be finalized within seven days and that final recommendations be submitted.
The meeting was attended by the Special Secretary Housing, officials from Local Government, the CEO of RUDA, DG LDA, DG PLRA, and other departmental representatives.