Lahore Division

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) Appellate Tribunal has recently ruled that the sale of developed plots is not a taxable service under provincial sales tax, providing clarity and relief for real estate transactions across the province. Developed plots refer to land where infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and basic amenities has already been established. The ruling overturns previous interpretations that treated such transactions as taxable services, which added an extra financial burden on sellers and buyers. * PRA Appellate Tribunal issued the ruling to provide legal clarity * Developed plots are now classified as property sales, not taxable services * Relief affects housing schemes, developers, and individual buyers Previously, the sale of developed plots was considered a service under provincial sales tax rules, requiring sellers to pay additional charges. The tribunal clarified that preparing land with infrastructure does not constitute a separate service; instead, it is part of the property itself. Transfers of immovable property are governed federally, not provincially, making them exempt from provincial sales tax. * Buyers face reduced transaction costs * Sellers benefit from simplified compliance and lower tax obligations * Developers can price plots more competitively, encouraging new projects The ruling also addresses past transactions. Tax charges, surcharges, and penalties applied under the previous interpretation may now be adjusted or refunded. This provides financial relief to property owners who had paid provincial sales tax on developed plots and ensures fairness in property transactions. * Previous tax demands may be adjusted or refunded * Legal clarity strengthens confidence in property transactions * Developers and investors can plan new projects with reduced uncertainty Analysts anticipate that the ruling could stimulate activity in Punjab’s property sector. Removing the provincial sales tax burden may encourage more plot sales, support new housing developments, and contribute to more stable pricing. The decision also reinforces the distinction between services taxed provincially and property transactions regulated federally. * Potential increase in housing development and investment * Simplified pricing and transaction processes for buyers and sellers * Greater clarity in tax obligations across the real estate sector. The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) Appellate Tribunal ruling marks a significant step for legal certainty and transparency in the province’s land market. Exempting developed plots from provincial sales tax reduces costs, encourages investment, and simplifies transactions for buyers, sellers, and housing developers throughout Punjab.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Pakistan Railways has launched new measures to make its land holdings across the country a more effective source of income. Leasing land and reclaiming illegally occupied areas are being implemented to ensure assets are preserved while increasing non-fare revenue. This strategy is considered a key step for financial stability and better utilisation of railway land. * Land is used for commercial, agricultural, residential, and industrial purposes * Leasing and recovery initiatives focus on balancing financial and operational outcomes * The goal is to increase revenue and optimise land use Recently, around 14,893 acres of land were leased through open competitive processes for private and government use. The leased properties include agricultural land, commercial plots, warehouses, and land near railway tracks. This approach has activated previously idle land, generating income while maintaining ownership. At the same time, actions have been intensified to remove illegal occupations. Approximately 13,972 acres of railway land across the country are reportedly encroached, including urban, semi-urban, agricultural, and commercial areas. The recovery process is being carried out through legal and administrative measures. * Leasing focuses on transparency and competitive allocation * Recovery of encroached land follows legal notices and procedural steps * Social and legal aspects are considered in reclaiming occupied land Legal notices of 14 days have been issued to ensure occupied land is vacated. These measures are carried out with support from railway police and local authorities to maintain a balance between legal enforcement and practical implementation. From a financial perspective, income from land has become a significant source of non-fare revenue. Earnings from passenger and freight services alone are insufficient to cover operational costs, making land leasing a stable long-term revenue solution. * Non-fare revenue is increasingly critical * Long-term leases provide sustainable income * Ownership of land remains with the state Land use by Pakistan Railways also affects urban planning and real estate markets. Decisions on leasing and reclaiming land influence property values, investment trends, and local economies. Overall, the land leasing and recovery strategy represents a fact-based, pragmatic approach to improving revenue, land use efficiency, and transparency. If implemented effectively, it can ensure financial stability while enhancing the management and legal status of railway land.

Lahore:[ReNews Pakistan] The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has accelerated its ongoing enforcement operations across the city against illegal commercial activities, unauthorized commercialization of residential properties, and non-payment of commercial fees. Under the directives of DG LDA Tahir Farooq, hundreds of properties have been sealed in recent days to ensure compliance with urban planning and zoning regulations. On January 05, 2026, LDA teams sealed 104 illegal commercial properties, including Allied Bank branch, Dar-e-Arqam School, Unique School, and multiple private educational institutions, shops, and commercial units operating on residential plots. The action follows repeated notices issued to property owners who failed to regularize their activities. In previous days, LDA carried out similar enforcement actions: 88 properties were sealed on January 04, including The Educators, American Lyceum, and Stylo showrooms; 88 buildings on January 03; and 134 commercial premises on January 01, including outlets of Yasir Broast, Fri-Chicks, Dollar Store, Cakes & Bakes, and other well-known brands. The operations covered major areas of Lahore, including Gulberg, Johar Town, Model Town, Garden Town, Wapda Town, Mustafa Town, Sabzi Mandi, Airport Road, and other central locations. LDA emphasized that enforcement is being applied uniformly, with no exceptions, and all owners had been repeatedly notified before sealing actions. In parallel, development work continues on major LDA housing projects such as LDA City, LDA Avenue-I, and Jubilee Town. LDA is also working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Private Housing Authorities Regulatory Authority (PERA) to further enhance enforcement and urban regulation. All operations are being monitored centrally from LDA headquarters in Johar Town. DG LDA Tahir Farooq stated that these measures aim to make Lahore a planned, organized, and modern city. Citizens are urged to comply with regulations, pay commercial fees on time, and avoid illegal constructions. The ongoing operations are part of broader initiatives to ensure a regulated, obstruction-free, and modern urban environment for residents and businesses alike.