Punjab Province

Vehari: [Tariq Aziz Ansari District Coordinator ReNews Pakistan]
Following the directives of the Chief Minister of Punjab, practical work has officially commenced on the proposed Kulsoom Nawaz Medical College project in Vehari.
The first formal meeting regarding the establishment of the medical college was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Vehari Khalid Javaid Goraya. The meeting was attended by Member National Assembly Tahmina Daultana, Vice Chancellor Nishtar Medical University Multan Dr. Mehnaaz Khakwani, and Medical Superintendent Nishtar Hospital Dr. Rao Amjad Ali Khan.
During the meeting, the availability of two proposed sites for the medical college, preparation of the feasibility report, and other technical aspects of the project were reviewed in detail. Vice Chancellor Dr. Mehnaaz Khakwani presented technical recommendations and a proposed roadmap for the establishment of the institution.
MNA Tahmina Daultana stressed the need to accelerate efforts for the establishment of the medical college in line with modern requirements. Deputy Commissioner Khalid Javaid Goraya stated that the district administration is actively working in accordance with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and will ensure all possible measures for the timely execution of the project.
Tahmina Daultana expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for approving the project and said that practical steps have now begun, adding that the early completion of the medical college is her mission.
Dr. Mehnaaz Khakwani noted that both proposed sites are suitable for the project and emphasized that requirements should be formulated to develop the college according to modern educational and healthcare standards.
Dr. Rao Amjad Ali Khan also highlighted technical aspects related to the establishment of the medical college.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Finance and DD Development Muhammad Afzal, CEO Health Dr. Fahd Waheed, MS DHQ Hospital Vehari Dr. Ahmad Nawaz, Admin Officer Khakan, and other officials.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that women are legally eligible to be appointed as permanent lumberdars in Punjab, setting aside executive orders issued by the Punjab government and declaring that gender alone cannot be used to deny a qualified woman the position.
In a detailed seven page judgment authored by Justice Raheel Kamran, the court allowed a petition filed by a woman from Lodhran who had challenged the appointment of another candidate as permanent lumberdar by the deputy commissioner and the Board of Revenue.
The court observed that the Constitution guarantees equality, inclusion and fair participation of women in public life, adding that no legal provision exists that disqualifies women from serving as lumberdars.
“This Court cannot remain oblivious to the contemporary constitutional ethos of equality, inclusion and fair participation of women in public life. No provision of law has been shown which disentitles a woman from holding the office of Lumberdar,” the judgment stated.
The petitioner’s father had previously served as the permanent lumberdar of the same village until his death. Following his passing, the petitioner had continued performing administrative responsibilities and was appointed as Sarbarah Lumberdar in 2002.
According to the court order, the woman had extensive experience in village administration and revenue affairs, making her fully competent for the permanent appointment.
“The record shows that she had been functioning as Sarbarah Lumberdar since 2002 and had been assisting the deceased incumbent in discharge of official duties,” the judgment noted.
The court further observed that the office of lumberdar is not merely ceremonial but requires practical understanding of revenue procedures, coordination with government officials, local familiarity and public accessibility.
Justice Raheel Kamran stated that where a female candidate fulfills all relevant legal and administrative criteria, her application must receive the same objective consideration as that of a male candidate.
The judgment emphasized that rural governance and revenue administration can benefit significantly from the participation of capable women in institutional roles that have historically remained male dominated.
“Such participation advances constitutional values of equal opportunity and strengthens public confidence in impartial administration,” the court said.
The LHC also warned against any direct or indirect bias that undermines women’s candidatures on grounds unrelated to merit, declaring that such discrimination cannot be justified under the law.
The ruling is being viewed as an important development for women’s representation in local governance and administrative structures across Punjab, particularly in rural areas where the office of lumberdar traditionally carries social influence and administrative responsibilities.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Government of Punjab has launched a comprehensive revision of property valuation rates in a strategic effort to attract investment from Gulf countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and to revive momentum in the province’s real estate sector.
According to official sources, the initiative is designed to reduce the gap between government-declared property values and prevailing market prices. Authorities believe this disparity has long discouraged investment, increased transaction friction, and created tax burdens that particularly affect overseas Pakistanis and foreign investors.
The proposed changes were discussed during high-level meetings between Punjab government officials and representatives of the UAE business community. During these discussions, both sides reportedly emphasised the need for a more transparent and predictable valuation system to restore investor confidence and stimulate cross border real estate activity.
Officials said the revised valuation framework will initially focus on major urban centres and key investment corridors, where property transactions have slowed in recent years due to rising taxes, regulatory complexities, and widening differences between official and market-based valuations.
In addition to revising property rates, the provincial government is also considering broader reforms aimed at simplifying property transactions. These measures include reducing procedural bottlenecks, improving documentation systems, and creating a more streamlined environment for overseas buyers.
The real estate sector in Pakistan has been under pressure due to a combination of factors, including increased taxation, higher construction costs, and declining purchasing power among domestic buyers. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly urged authorities to rationalise property valuations in order to revive demand and attract fresh capital inflows.
The finalised valuation structure is expected to be announced after consultations with relevant government departments and key market stakeholders. Officials hope the reforms will not only stabilise the real estate market but also position Punjab as a more competitive destination for Gulf-based investment.