Lahore Division

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has formally notified the Punjab Public Utilities Infrastructure Protection Act 2026, bringing the new law into immediate effect across the province.
The law has been introduced to prevent theft, illegal transfer, damage, misuse, sale and purchase of public utility infrastructure. It also aims to establish an effective enforcement mechanism and impose strict penalties on those involved in violations.
Under the law, public utility infrastructure includes manhole covers, street lights, safety fences and all other items or installations that the Punjab government may include in this category through the official gazette. The law also defines several key terms, including theft, unauthorized transfer, scrap dealer, re rolling and whistle blower.
According to the law, a whistle blower may report an offence in the public interest and may also be entitled to a reward under the prescribed rules. The measure is intended to encourage public participation in protecting civic infrastructure and ensuring timely reporting of offences.
Theft of public utility infrastructure will be punishable with imprisonment from one to three years, a fine ranging from Rs 200000 to Rs 3 million, or both. Illegal transfer, possession, transportation, sale or purchase of public installations has also been declared an offence, carrying imprisonment from one to three years and a fine ranging from Rs 500000 to Rs 3 million, or both.
The law further states that intentional damage to public utility installations will be punishable with imprisonment from six months to one year and a fine ranging from Rs 50000 to Rs 200000.
Officials say the enforcement of the new law will help protect civic facilities, government assets and public utility systems, while also enabling stronger action against the sale and purchase of stolen public material in scrap markets.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore Development Authority has presented an ambitious vision for vertical development and sustainable urban planning under the proposed Master Plan 2050, aimed at addressing rapid population growth and changing residential needs across the Lahore Division.
The strategy was shared during a public hearing attended by government officials, urban planners, developers, environmental experts and community representatives. The consultation focused on shaping the urban and economic development roadmap of the division through 2050.
According to the LDA, the master plan encourages high rise residential and commercial development while integrating key areas including the Central Business District, Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Authority project, Cantonment areas and DHA into a unified planning framework.
Prepared with the support of international consultancy Dar Al Handasah, the plan covers Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur and Nankana Sahib districts. It addresses future population growth, urban expansion, public transport, pedestrian infrastructure, green spaces, water resources and environmental issues including smog and industrial sprawl.
LDA Chief Metropolitan Planner Faisal Masood Qureshi briefed participants on the objectives of the plan. Stakeholders including representatives of the Association of Builders and Developers, urban planning experts and environmental reviewers also shared recommendations on zoning, infrastructure and sustainable development.
The LDA said feedback received during the consultation will be incorporated into Master Plan 2050. Similar public hearings will also be held in Sheikhupura, Kasur and Nankana Sahib as part of the wider consultation process.

Lahore | ReNews International Desk News
Although air conditioning has become common in many parts of the world, its use remains relatively limited across Europe. Reports suggest that only around 20 percent of Europeans have access to air conditioning, mainly due to legal, economic, cultural and structural reasons.
One major factor is the presence of historic buildings and strict heritage protection rules in several European cities. In countries such as France, regulations often restrict changes to the exterior of historic properties, including the installation of external AC units, in order to preserve the original character and architectural value of buildings.
Rental laws and housing costs are another important reason. In countries such as Germany and Austria, a large share of the population lives in rented homes. Tenants often need permission from landlords before drilling walls or installing AC units. As a result, many renters avoid making major investments in properties they do not own.
High electricity prices also play a significant role. Compared with regions such as North America, electricity costs in many European countries are considerably higher, making air conditioning expensive to run and often viewed as a luxury rather than a routine household facility.
Cultural habits have also shaped Europe’s limited use of AC. Many Europeans still prefer traditional cooling methods, such as using heavy shutters, keeping curtains closed during the day, opening windows at night and relying on natural ventilation.
Experts say that because air conditioning was not historically seen as a necessity in much of Europe, there is also a shortage of trained AC installers. In some areas, installation can cost thousands of euros and may require bookings months in advance.