Lahore Division

Lahore: [Re News Pakistan]
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed serious reservations over the ongoing restoration project of Neela Gumbad, questioning the quality of work and directing that the project be halted. During his recent visit, he rejected the newly installed tiles at the site.
According to sources, Nawaz Sharif specifically objected to the use of glazed tiles, calling it inconsistent with the historical character of Neela Gumbad. He stated that the monument’s true identity is linked to its original matte finish tiles, which must be preserved at all costs.
Reports indicate that the newly used tiles differ from the original ones in design, structure, and thickness. The clear contrast between the old and new tiles has further intensified concerns. Technical flaws in the restoration process and inconsistencies in design patterns have also been pointed out.
Sources added that the project had been approved by the Walled City of Lahore Authority, which has now come under scrutiny at higher levels.
Nawaz Sharif has directed that the restoration of Neela Gumbad must strictly follow its original historical form. He also ordered the formation of an empowered committee comprising renowned architects and experts to oversee the process. He made it clear that unilateral decisions in such matters will not be acceptable.
It is pertinent to mention that Nawaz Sharif serves as the patron in chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR), a government body established by the Government of Punjab in 2025 to oversee the restoration and preservation of Lahore’s historical and cultural heritage.

Lahore: [Re News Pakistan]
On the instructions of Deputy Commissioner Lahore, Captain (R) Muhammad Ali Afzaal, the district administration has launched a strict crackdown against illegal constructions and violations of building regulations across the city.
In this regard, the Planning Wing of the district administration carried out operations in various areas of Wagah Zone, including Burki Road, GT Road, Jallo Pind, Ghous Garden, and Salamatpura, taking legal action against a total of 8 illegal constructions.
During the operation, 5 buildings constructed in violation of approved building plans were completely demolished, while 3 structures were sealed on the spot, bringing construction activities to a halt.
The Deputy Commissioner Lahore emphasized that adherence to approved building plans is mandatory for orderly urban planning and public safety, adding that no leniency will be shown in case of violations.
He further directed the concerned teams to strengthen field monitoring and continue indiscriminate operations against illegal constructions in order to ensure the protection of Lahore’s master plan.

Lahore: ReNews Pakistan
President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Faheem ur Rehman Sehgal, has stated that the increasing electricity load shedding in the country has pushed the industrial sector into a severe crisis, making it difficult to achieve export targets.
Addressing a press conference along with other office bearers, he said that load shedding and lockdown measures are badly affecting business activities. He added that causing losses to traders in the name of energy conservation is unacceptable.
The Chamber president also expressed concerns over the actions of the para force, stating that overstepping authority is aggravating the situation. He emphasized that the current mechanism of implementing lockdown is ineffective and needs immediate review by the government.
Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh said that industrial production is being affected due to electricity shortages, while the increase in fuel prices has further fueled inflation.
He further noted that unrest during market closures is unfortunate, and the electric vehicle (EV) policy in the country cannot succeed without a reliable power supply. Vice President Khurram Lodhi, Shavez Tahir Malik, Abdul Majeed, and other officials were also present on the occasion.