Lahore Division

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
Lahore’s much awaited electric tram project has faced another delay after the Punjab government revised its proposed route once again, raising fresh questions over the final launch timeline of the city’s first modern tram based public transport system.
Under the latest proposal, the tram route will pass through the Central Business District, Gulberg, Jail Road and Istanbul Chowk. Canal Road, which was earlier included in the plan, has now been removed from the alignment due to environmental and technical concerns.
Officials said the decision was taken to avoid large scale cutting of trees along Canal Road and to address construction related challenges linked with the busy corridor. The revised route is now being reviewed as part of the government’s plan to introduce a cleaner and more efficient transport option for Lahore.
Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar said the electric tram first arrived in Lahore in July 2025. It was later displayed during a test run and public exhibition at Expo Centre Lahore in August 2025, where the project was presented as part of Punjab’s push towards modern and environment friendly urban transport.
The project has gone through several changes since it was first planned. Initially, authorities proposed a 27 kilometre Yellow Line corridor from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura. Later, the government considered a trackless tram system and examined possible routes through Kalma Chowk, Liberty Market, Main Market, Mini Market and Hali Road.
However, repeated route changes have slowed down the implementation process. Although the government continues to describe the project as an important step towards sustainable public transport in Lahore, no final date has yet been announced for the start of regular tram operations.
The electric tram project is expected to support Lahore’s growing mobility needs, reduce dependence on private vehicles and offer citizens a modern public transport alternative. But with another route revision now under consideration, the long awaited project remains without a clear operational timeline.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has approved major reforms to the rules governing private housing schemes, making it mandatory for all new applications and amendments to previously approved schemes to be submitted through a central digital approval system.
The Punjab Cabinet’s Standing Committee on Legislative Business has approved comprehensive amendments to the Punjab Private Housing Schemes Rules 2022. The reforms are aimed at improving transparency, planning standards, regulatory oversight and protection for property buyers.
Under the new rules, strict action can be taken against housing schemes established without approval or projects that fail to complete development work within the prescribed time. Such schemes may face daily fines ranging from PKR 5,000 to PKR 20,000.
The amended rules also place emphasis on underground utility services, stronger infrastructure planning and the provision of essential residential facilities. The government believes these measures will help protect buyers, discourage illegal schemes and promote affordable housing.
Any housing scheme involving more than five landowners will be required to apply through a registered company or a cooperative society. The number of owners in an approved scheme will not be allowed to increase later.
The number of entities participating in a joint venture housing project has also been limited to five, while cooperative societies will not be permitted to enter into joint venture agreements.
The amendments have been aligned with the Punjab Local Government Act 2025 and will take effect after publication in the official gazette.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has decided to introduce digital monitoring at marriage halls, marquees, farmhouses and restaurants in a major move aimed at curbing tax evasion, improving revenue collection and making the provincial tax system more transparent.
The decision was taken during a high level meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where officials reviewed the province’s revenue performance and discussed steps to strengthen tax enforcement through modern technology.
Under the proposed plan, advanced camera systems will be installed at marriage halls, marquees, farmhouses and major food chains to monitor commercial activity and help authorities assess whether businesses are accurately declaring their sales and tax liabilities.
Officials said the initiative is designed to identify cases where businesses issue fake receipts, conceal sales or underreport income. Strict action will be taken against establishments found involved in tax evasion or documentation fraud.
The provincial government is also considering making digital payments mandatory at selected restaurants. Authorities believe this will create a clear financial record of transactions and reduce the possibility of cash based underreporting.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the government would follow a zero tolerance policy against tax evasion. She said technology based monitoring, digital tools and improved enforcement mechanisms would be used to detect irregularities and ensure better compliance.
During the meeting, officials informed the chief minister that Punjab has set a revenue target of Rs. 528.5 billion for FY27. The Punjab Revenue Authority’s collections have increased from Rs. 250 billion to Rs. 346 billion, showing a growth of 38 percent.
The meeting was further informed that the Punjab Revenue Authority has expanded its operational presence from 10 districts to 26 districts. Dedicated intelligence, investigation, taxpayer audit and legal wings have also been established to strengthen tax administration across the province.
Officials said the digital monitoring initiative is part of a wider effort to modernize Punjab’s revenue system, reduce leakages and bring more businesses into the documented economy.