Punjab Province

Vehari: [ReNews Pakistan]
In view of possible flood threats, the district administration of Vehari conducted a flood mock exercise at Head Islam, where Rescue 1122, police, the Irrigation Department, Health Department, Livestock Department, Civil Defence, Municipal Committee, Education Department, Agriculture Department and other relevant institutions took part.
The exercise was inspected by Deputy Commissioner Vehari Khalid Javed Goraya and District Police Officer Tasawar Iqbal. On the occasion, District Emergency Officer Dr Khalid Mahmood briefed the officials on the flood mock exercise, rescue plan, available machinery and emergency response arrangements, while the Irrigation Department briefed them on embankments, protective bunds, water flow and sensitive points.
During the exercise, different departments set up stalls where available facilities, equipment, dewatering pumps, boats and relief material were reviewed. Rescue 1122 personnel demonstrated boating, scuba diving, safe evacuation of drowning persons, provision of first aid to the injured and their immediate transfer to hospital.
The wireless communication system and emergency contact mechanism were also reviewed to ensure swift coordination among institutions and timely relief operations in any emergency situation.
Deputy Commissioner Khalid Javed Goraya said the purpose of the flood mock exercise was to assess the preparedness, coordination and quick response of departments. He said all departments were ready to deal with any possible flood situation.
DPO Tasawar Iqbal said police would fully cooperate in protecting lives and property during a flood situation, while District Emergency Officer Dr Khalid Mahmood said Rescue 1122 remained fully prepared to deal with all kinds of emergencies.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
A major development has emerged in the plan to establish Pakistan’s first modern Sports City in Lahore as part of efforts to promote sports in Punjab. The process of land acquisition for the project is currently underway, while consultations between Sports Punjab and the Ravi Urban Development Authority have also been intensified.
An important meeting was held between Secretary Sports Punjab Fazal ur Rehman and Ravi Urban Development Authority CEO Imran Amin, during which a detailed briefing was given on land acquisition, construction planning, phased development work and future sports infrastructure for the proposed Sports City.
According to officials, the Sports City planned for Lahore will be equipped with modern facilities and will be completed in different phases. Under the project, modern sports complexes, international standard stadiums and advanced training facilities for athletes will be developed.
Secretary Sports Punjab Fazal ur Rehman said the establishment of the Sports City would prove to be an important milestone for the promotion of sports in the province.
He said the project would not only boost sports activities at the local level but would also provide young athletes with a better environment, modern facilities and professional training opportunities.
Officials said the Ravi Urban Development Authority is currently engaged in the process of acquiring land for the project, while the relevant departments are working on the feasibility, design and phased implementation of the scheme.
DG Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi, Additional Secretary Sports Shabbir Hussain Cheema and other officials of PMU Sports also attended the meeting.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has decided to abolish the province’s old legal framework for land consolidation, under which the Consolidation of Holdings Ordinance 1960 will be repealed and replaced with a new law. For this purpose, the Board of Revenue Punjab has prepared the draft of the Consolidation of Holdings Act 2026.
According to sources, the proposed legal draft recommends gradually ending the old land consolidation system so that long pending revenue matters can be resolved and land records can be improved in line with modern requirements.
Under the draft, areas where consolidation schemes have already been completed will be required to finalize records and implementation measures within one year. Similarly, schemes that are up to 70 percent complete have been recommended for completion within 180 days.
The proposed law also recommends that villages where less than 70 percent progress has been made on consolidation schemes should be de notified, in order to reduce administrative complications caused by incomplete and long stalled schemes.
Officials said the proposed legislation aims to improve the revenue system, correct land records, resolve pending matters and reduce difficulties faced by the public. The new measures are expected to help address issues related to land ownership, transfers and records in a more transparent and organized manner.
The draft prepared by the Board of Revenue will be sent to the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department for legal vetting. After finalization and approval, the new law will be enforced across the province.