Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Pakistan Cricket Board has signed a strategic agreement with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation to develop a new modern cricket stadium in Jeddah.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud. The agreement is being described as the first formal strategic partnership of its kind between the two cricket boards.
Under the agreement, Pakistan will support the development of a modern cricket stadium in Jeddah with facilities designed to meet international standards. The project will include international standard playing surfaces, broadcast and media infrastructure, hospitality areas, training facilities and spectator services.
According to the PCB, the venue will be developed in line with ICC requirements, allowing Saudi Arabia to host international matches and major cricket events in the future.
The agreement goes beyond the construction of a single venue. Both boards will also work together on wider cricket infrastructure development, stadium planning, technical support and operational standards as Saudi Arabia seeks to build a stronger long term base for the sport.
The initiative is also aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to increase investment in sports, promote sports tourism, encourage public participation and improve quality of life.
Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud welcomed the agreement and said the collaboration would extend beyond the stadium itself. He said the partnership would help lay the foundation for the long term growth of cricket in Saudi Arabia.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has formally notified the Punjab Public Utilities Infrastructure Protection Act 2026, bringing the new law into immediate effect across the province.
The law has been introduced to prevent theft, illegal transfer, damage, misuse, sale and purchase of public utility infrastructure. It also aims to establish an effective enforcement mechanism and impose strict penalties on those involved in violations.
Under the law, public utility infrastructure includes manhole covers, street lights, safety fences and all other items or installations that the Punjab government may include in this category through the official gazette. The law also defines several key terms, including theft, unauthorized transfer, scrap dealer, re rolling and whistle blower.
According to the law, a whistle blower may report an offence in the public interest and may also be entitled to a reward under the prescribed rules. The measure is intended to encourage public participation in protecting civic infrastructure and ensuring timely reporting of offences.
Theft of public utility infrastructure will be punishable with imprisonment from one to three years, a fine ranging from Rs 200000 to Rs 3 million, or both. Illegal transfer, possession, transportation, sale or purchase of public installations has also been declared an offence, carrying imprisonment from one to three years and a fine ranging from Rs 500000 to Rs 3 million, or both.
The law further states that intentional damage to public utility installations will be punishable with imprisonment from six months to one year and a fine ranging from Rs 50000 to Rs 200000.
Officials say the enforcement of the new law will help protect civic facilities, government assets and public utility systems, while also enabling stronger action against the sale and purchase of stolen public material in scrap markets.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore Development Authority has presented an ambitious vision for vertical development and sustainable urban planning under the proposed Master Plan 2050, aimed at addressing rapid population growth and changing residential needs across the Lahore Division.
The strategy was shared during a public hearing attended by government officials, urban planners, developers, environmental experts and community representatives. The consultation focused on shaping the urban and economic development roadmap of the division through 2050.
According to the LDA, the master plan encourages high rise residential and commercial development while integrating key areas including the Central Business District, Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Authority project, Cantonment areas and DHA into a unified planning framework.
Prepared with the support of international consultancy Dar Al Handasah, the plan covers Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur and Nankana Sahib districts. It addresses future population growth, urban expansion, public transport, pedestrian infrastructure, green spaces, water resources and environmental issues including smog and industrial sprawl.
LDA Chief Metropolitan Planner Faisal Masood Qureshi briefed participants on the objectives of the plan. Stakeholders including representatives of the Association of Builders and Developers, urban planning experts and environmental reviewers also shared recommendations on zoning, infrastructure and sustainable development.
The LDA said feedback received during the consultation will be incorporated into Master Plan 2050. Similar public hearings will also be held in Sheikhupura, Kasur and Nankana Sahib as part of the wider consultation process.