Punjab Province

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Town Planning Wing of the Lahore Development Authority has intensified action against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters, launching a large scale operation in different schemes of Lahore and LDA controlled areas. During the operation, a total of 126 properties were sealed.
According to the LDA, the actions were carried out on the instructions of LDA Director General Tahir Farooq. During the operation, several properties were sealed over illegal commercial use and non payment of commercial fees in areas including Johar Town, Canal Road, Shah Jamal, Gulshan Ravi, Gulberg, New Garden Town and Sabzazar.
Town Planning Wing teams sealed 28 properties in Johar Town over illegal commercial use, while action was taken against a total of 46 properties on Canal Road, Shah Jamal and Gulshan Ravi. Similarly, 30 properties were sealed in Gulberg and New Garden Town over illegal commercial activities and non payment of commercial fees.
During the recovery operation, LDA teams also sealed 22 properties in Sabzazar. The sealed properties included private schools, academies, colleges, catering centres, grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, food points, bakeries, pharmacies, beauty salons, clinics, auto workshops, shops, offices and other commercial units.
Officials said the operation was conducted under the supervision of Chief Town Planner One Asad uz Zaman and Chief Town Planner Two Azhar Ali. The LDA administration said action against illegal commercial use, violations of building laws and commercial fee defaulters would continue across the city.
LDA Director General Tahir Farooq said indiscriminate action is being taken against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters to ensure organized urban development, enforcement of law and implementation of approved land use in the city.

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.

Sargodha | ReNews Pakistan
The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) has welcomed the sealing of an allegedly illegal cement manufacturing facility operating under the name Red Bull Cement on the Sargodha Faisalabad Road, describing the action as a significant step towards ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting the formal industrial sector.
According to a statement issued by the association, the facility, which is reportedly linked to Rohri Cement, was sealed and its operations suspended following a joint inspection conducted by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the District Industries Department.
Authorities reportedly found that the unit was operating without obtaining the mandatory licenses, registrations, environmental approvals and other statutory permissions required under Pakistan’s industrial and environmental regulations. The inspection led to immediate enforcement action, resulting in the closure of the facility pending further legal and regulatory proceedings.
APCMA praised the coordinated efforts of the government agencies involved, stating that timely intervention against illegal manufacturing activities is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability within the cement sector.
The association noted that unauthorized cement production not only deprives the national exchequer of substantial tax revenues but also creates unfair market conditions for legitimate manufacturers that invest heavily in meeting environmental, safety, quality and regulatory standards.
Industry representatives emphasized that Pakistan’s formal cement sector contributes billions of rupees annually in taxes and duties while complying with regulations issued by the FBR, EPA and other relevant authorities. They argued that illegal operators undermine these efforts by avoiding compliance costs and regulatory obligations.
APCMA further urged regulatory authorities to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms across the country to identify and take action against non compliant manufacturing units before they can cause significant economic, environmental or market related damage.
The association reiterated its commitment to supporting government initiatives aimed at eliminating unlawful industrial activity and fostering a transparent, competitive and sustainable business environment for Pakistan’s cement industry.
Officials believe that continued enforcement against unauthorized industrial operations will help improve tax collection, strengthen environmental compliance and ensure a level playing field for businesses operating within the legal framework.