Lahore Division

Lahore: ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore High Court (LHC) extended a stay order on construction activities at Sheranwala Gate and Taxsali Gate in Lahore, while adjourning further proceedings in petitions related to environmental concerns until April 16.
During the hearing, the court emphasized the need to implement proposals presented by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to help reduce rising pollution levels in the city and improve environmental conditions.
The court also directed the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to appoint a dedicated tree officer to ensure strict monitoring and prevention of tree cutting across Lahore. It expressed concern over deforestation and stressed the importance of protecting the city’s green cover.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the performance of the forest department, the court observed that it should not function jointly with the PHA. Instead, the PHA was advised to strengthen its own institutional capacity to more effectively address environmental challenges and reduce pollution.
In addition, the court restrained the PHA Gujranwala from using public parks and gardens for commercial purposes, underscoring the need to preserve public recreational spaces. It also stressed strict enforcement of market closing timings across the city.
After issuing these directions, the court adjourned the case proceedings until April 16.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Government of Punjab has taken another significant step towards providing online/digital services to citizens. Under this initiative, residents of Punjab can now report the loss of their National Identity Card, passport, driving license, and other important documents from the comfort of their homes.
For this purpose, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has officially launched the Punjab Police Pakistan App. Citizens will no longer need to visit police stations or service centers to lodge complaints about lost documents. After registering through the app, the loss report will also be delivered to their homes.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed satisfaction over the launch of the Punjab Police Pakistan App and stated that providing ease to the public through modern technology is the government’s commitment. She added that putting Punjab on the path of innovation is a top priority of her administration.
She further said that registering loss reports through the app will save both time and resources for citizens.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
On the directives of the Office of the Ombudsman Punjab, 77 kanals of state land, valued at approximately Rs 192.3 million, has been successfully retrieved from illegal occupants.
According to a spokesperson for the Ombudsman Punjab, the land owned by various government departments had been under illegal encroachment for a long time, with unauthorized commercial shops also constructed on the property.
Investigations showed that the concerned departments had made repeated efforts to evict the encroachers; however, effective action was finally taken following the intervention and orders of the Provincial Ombudsman. Prior to the retrieval, proper demarcation of the land was carried out in accordance with legal requirements.
The Ombudsman Punjab has directed authorities to ensure strict measures are implemented to prevent any re-encroachment in the future.
The spokesperson added that this action reflects the Ombudsman Punjab’s impartial and result oriented approach toward eliminating encroachments and protecting state land. Complainants and local residents appreciated the intervention, terming it a timely step that upheld the rule of law.