Lahore Division

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, approved a series of major development, industrial, agricultural, transport, health, environmental and infrastructure projects for various parts of the province during its 34th meeting.
The cabinet approved the expansion of Quaid e Azam Business Park Sheikhupura by an additional 200 acres to promote industrial development. It also approved rules and regulations related to the lease and rent of plots in Garment City and various industrial zones. Amendments to the LDA land-use rules were also approved to facilitate special economic zones.
The cabinet approved the implementation of an axle load management system in Punjab, aimed at protecting highways from excessive load carried by heavy vehicles and improving the durability of road infrastructure. Approval was also granted for the establishment of a modern Provincial Traffic Management and Command Centre to strengthen traffic control, monitoring and urban mobility management.
In the tourism and transport sectors, the cabinet approved salaries and allowances for the Project Management Unit of the Murree Glass Train project. The project is being viewed as an important initiative to promote tourism in Murree and provide modern travel facilities.
In the agriculture sector, approval was given to launch the “Apna Khait, Apna Rozgar” scheme on easy terms in Cholistan and riverine areas. The cabinet was informed that 30,000 lots had been identified for the scheme, while nearly 200,000 families had so far submitted applications. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed strict digital monitoring of the scheme and said citizens should be able to access complete information about it with a single click.
The meeting also approved the agricultural transformation project and subsidy for the Potohar region. Funds were also approved for the EWR and commodity trading system to ensure farmers’ participation, with the objective of modernising the agricultural economy and providing farmers with better market access.
In the environment and energy sectors, the cabinet approved the New Energy Vehicle Policy for Punjab. It also approved the appointment of the Bank of Punjab as the financial agent for the “Clean Air Programme”, which is being described as an important step towards reducing air pollution and promoting environment-friendly initiatives in the province.
The cabinet approved protective measures to prevent flooding and river erosion. It also approved the inclusion of the flood embankment project at Deg Nullah in the Annual Development Programme, the inclusion of hill torrent projects in Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan, and the reorganisation and capacity enhancement of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority.
In the health sector, the cabinet approved the draft bill for the Punjab Autism School and Resource Centre Act 2026. It also approved the Chief Minister Stroke Initiative, a project aimed at stroke prevention. The management of Data Darbar Hospital was also approved to be placed under the control of the Auqaf Department.
The meeting approved the establishment of the Aquaculture Authority of Punjab. It also approved the change of location and name of the first Shrimp Estate in Muzaffargarh. The transfer of forest land for the establishment of shrimp estates was also approved, which is being considered an important project for the promotion of aquaculture and exports.
In the infrastructure sector, additional funds were approved for the construction of the Lalamusa-to-Moianwala road. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed that the road should be completed as soon as possible. Additional road rehabilitation schemes were also approved for Sahiwal, Mianwali and Faisalabad districts, along with the provision of funds for development schemes.
The cabinet also approved the inclusion of Rs500 million development schemes for Sheikhupura in the Annual Development Programme. It further approved relaxation in the land requirement limit for the establishment of a THQ Hospital in Bhurban, Murree, and payment of compensation for land acquired for a sewage treatment plant.
In the education and institutional development sectors, approval was granted to upgrade the UET Sub-Campus Narowal into the University of Engineering Narowal. The cabinet also approved the restoration of the original names of government colleges that had been granted university status.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the government would fully support anyone willing to establish industry in Punjab. She directed that industrialists should bring their construction plans and that the process of setting up industries should be made easier, with no hurdles in NOCs or other approvals.
Maryam Nawaz also stressed that financial discipline must be ensured in development projects. She said the practice of spending first and submitting bills later would not be acceptable, and all expenditures must be reported in advance. The chief minister directed that all financial liabilities be cleared, adding that it was unacceptable for the government to get work done without making payments.

Lahore: [Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan]
On the instructions of Lahore Development Authority Director General Tahir Farooq, the LDA Town Planning Wing launched a large-scale operation against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters, sealing a total of 203 properties in different areas.
LDA teams carried out operations in the controlled area, including Gulberg, Faisal Town, Gulshan e Ravi, Gujjarpura, Samanabad, Shadbagh, UET, NFC, Punjab Government Employees Cooperative Scheme, College Road, Allama Iqbal Town and several other locations.
During the operation, 19 properties were sealed in Gulberg and Faisal Town for illegal commercial use, while 84 properties were sealed in Gulshan e Ravi, Gujjarpura, Samanabad and Shadbagh. Similarly, 60 properties were sealed on UET, NFC, Punjab Government Employees Cooperative Scheme and College Road over illegal commercial use and non-payment of commercial fees.
LDA teams also sealed 40 properties in Allama Iqbal Town during a recovery operation. According to officials, the sealed properties included private schools, colleges, banks, halls, marquees, academies, bakeries, pharmacies, beauty salons, clinics, grocery stores, auto workshops, electric stores, restaurants, food points, shops, offices and other commercial establishments.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Chief Town Planner-I Asad-uz-Zaman and Chief Town Planner-II Azhar Ali. LDA Director General Tahir Farooq said indiscriminate action against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters would continue.

Lahore | Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan
Some alleged affected investors of Al Kabir Developers have announced plans to raise their voice in an organized manner on social media against delays in development, possession and delivery across various real estate projects. They say they invested their life savings in the hope that plot development, possession and promised facilities would be provided within the committed timeframe. However, according to them, clear progress has yet to be seen in several projects.
In a message issued by the investors, they claimed that old buyers are still waiting for development and delivery, while the company continues to introduce new deals and offers. The affected investors allege that development in some projects is negligible, commitments are not being fulfilled, possession and delivery are facing repeated delays, and investors are not being provided complete and clear information about the current status of the projects.
In the social media message, affected investors have been urged to raise their concerns collectively and in an organized manner rather than filing individual complaints.
They have been advised to share their experiences and grievances through their own social media accounts, post with relevant documents and evidence, tag journalists, influencers and social activists in their areas, and request them to highlight the issue.
The affected investors say the purpose of their campaign is not to promote personal hostility or confrontation, but to protect investors’ rights and ensure transparency and accountability. According to them, if investors remain silent, the issues may continue to drag on. However, by uniting and raising their voice through legal and peaceful means, they believe the media, relevant institutions and authorities can be compelled to take notice of the matter.
The message also states that all affected individuals should unite on a common platform so their collective voice can become stronger. Investors have indicated that if their concerns are not addressed, they may pursue legal action, approach relevant authorities and opt for peaceful protest.
Real estate experts say delays in housing projects, slow development, non delivery of possession and lack of promised facilities are common concerns for investors in Pakistan. In such matters, documentary evidence, payment records, allotment letters, agreements and formal commitments made by a company play an important role in legal proceedings or complaint mechanisms.
On the other hand, before allegations against any developer or company can be treated as final, investigations by relevant institutions, the company’s position and the outcome of legal proceedings remain important.
Al Kabir Developers’ response on the matter is still awaited. The investors say they will continue their legal, peaceful and organized struggle for their rights and have urged the relevant authorities to immediately provide clarity on the current status of projects, development schedules, possession timelines and investors’ concerns.