Lahore: Hasnain Aulakh, Special Correspondent | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have reaffirmed their commitment to transforming the provincial capital into Pakistan’s first child-friendly city. UNICEF Punjab Chief Ramez Bahboodov visited the LDA Headquarter in Lahore, where he met with LDA Vice Chairman Mian Marghoob Ahmed and Director General Tahir Farooq. During the meeting, discussions focused on integrating facilities that support children’s healthy development and physical activity into the city’s broader urban planning and development framework. Participants reviewed proposals aimed at positioning Lahore as a model child friendly city, emphasizing inclusive urban spaces, accessible parks, and recreational facilities for children.
UNICEF representatives appreciated LDA’s ongoing initiatives to develop parks and sports facilities tailored to young residents.
A detailed briefing was presented by Director Vice Chairman Cell Ubaid Iqbal and Director Metropolitan Ayesha Mutahir. The meeting was also attended by UNICEF Social Policy and Development Specialist Abdul Rehman Cheema, the Chief Metropolitan Planner, Chief Town Planner II, Chief IT Officer, and other senior officials.
Speaking on the occasion, Ramez Bahboodov remarked that although he hails from Azerbaijan, Lahore holds a special place in his heart. He expressed satisfaction over the international standard development initiatives underway in the city. Both sides agreed to formalize their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the near future, marking a significant step toward embedding child focused policies into Lahore’s urban development agenda.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Government of Punjab has implemented a coordinated urban enhancement program across major cities to mark the arrival of Ramazan, installing illuminated decorative structures and lighting systems along critical public corridors and commercial districts.
The initiative covers prominent urban routes, key intersections, mosques, and commercial centres in major metropolitan areas, including Lahore, with the objective of improving the functional visibility and structural appeal of designated public and commercial zones. These installations have been strategically placed to reinforce the usability and prominence of high-traffic urban locations.
Officials stated that the illumination of major road networks and commercial clusters enhances the operational efficiency of urban infrastructure by improving nighttime accessibility and supporting continued economic and commercial activity during extended evening hours in Ramazan. The upgraded visual environment is also expected to improve the overall perception and attractiveness of organized urban spaces.
Urban development observers noted that such infrastructure-based beautification initiatives contribute to strengthening the structural value and functional viability of public and commercial real estate zones. Improved lighting and visual presentation enhance the usability of public corridors and increase the commercial appeal of retail clusters and mixed-use areas.
The province-wide program reflects a broader urban management strategy focused on improving the structural environment of public spaces, reinforcing organized city planning, and maximizing the functional and economic potential of key urban land assets. Authorities indicated that similar infrastructure-focused enhancements may continue as part of long-term efforts to modernize and optimize urban real estate environments across Punjab.

Lahore: Hasnain Aulakh, Special Correspondent | Re News Pakistan
A meeting of the Departmental Development Working Party (DDWP) was held under the chairmanship of Director General PHATA, Khawaja Muhammad Sikandar Zeeshan. Representatives from the Housing, Urban Development & Public Health Engineering (HUD&PHED), Planning & Development (P&D), and Finance departments attended the session. The meeting conducted a detailed review of development proposals aimed at upgrading various housing schemes under PHATA. The PC-I documents for the upgradation initiatives were examined, with thorough deliberations on their technical and financial aspects.
Speaking on the occasion, DG PHATA Sikandar Zeeshan stated that the projects would generate sustainable revenue streams and create new avenues for the institution’s long-term financial stability. He added that the upgradation initiatives are expected to significantly improve infrastructure and enhance residential facilities. The measures, he emphasized, form part of a broader strategy to increase the value of PHATA’s assets while ensuring improved service delivery.