Punjab Province

Murree | ReNews Pakistan
A multi-billion-rupee development package, described as the largest in Murree’s history, has been approved during a special meeting chaired by PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz at Government House Murree. The meeting reviewed the comprehensive Murree Development Plan, focusing on upgrading tourism infrastructure, improving civic facilities, and strengthening the region’s long-term economic and structural capacity.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb briefed participants on ongoing and proposed initiatives, highlighting plans to transform Kotli Sattian into Punjab’s newest modern tourism hub. The chief minister approved 14 tourism development schemes for the area, including the construction of a chairlift system, an eco-friendly glamping pod village and resort, Punjab’s first modern paragliding centre, and a sky glass bridge designed to enhance visitor attraction and tourism-related investment activity.
As part of regional connectivity improvements, the meeting approved the extension of the Murree Glass Train project from Islamabad Airport to Muzaffarabad. The project includes a 40-kilometre route from Lake View Park to Murree Bus Stand, with bidding for the monorail component scheduled to open in March. These transport initiatives are expected to strengthen access to tourism zones and facilitate greater visitor inflows.
The participants also agreed to establish a dedicated department for the preservation and restoration of Murree’s historic and cultural structures. Restoration work will ensure that heritage buildings are maintained according to their original design, supporting the conservation of architectural identity while enhancing tourism value. Additionally, a hotel complex will be developed through a public-private partnership at a designated location, expanding hospitality infrastructure and supporting tourism-driven economic activity.
Authorities reported that unauthorized multi-storey structures affecting the natural landscape along key areas including Mall Road, Hall Road, and Imtiaz Shaheed Road have been removed. These areas are being converted into public parks and green spaces, while road expansion work has been completed in Upper Jhika Gali to improve traffic flow and accessibility. Restoration of 23 buildings and 76 commercial units on Mall Road has also been completed, contributing to improved urban functionality and commercial continuity.
Infrastructure upgrades remain a central component of the development plan, with construction and rehabilitation of 70 roads completed across Murree and adjoining areas, while 120 additional roads are currently under development in the second phase. A principled decision has also been taken to upgrade Rawalpindi, Murree, and Kashmir Road into modern highways, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting long-term growth.
Water management improvements were also highlighted, with the first phase of a rainwater harvesting system completed, benefiting local residents through improved water supply. The second phase is expected to extend benefits to approximately 3,000 additional households. Civic service improvements include the establishment of a 50-bed hospital in Bhurban and continued modernization of the Patriata chairlift.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Government has approved a substantial stamp duty relief to support the real estate sector and encourage property registrations. Under the new policy, original allottees of properties in cooperative housing societies will enjoy full exemption from stamp duty, while other buyers registering properties will benefit from reduced rates.
The concession rates are as follows: • 1% stamp duty for registrations completed by 31 January 2026
• 2% stamp duty for registrations completed by 28 February 2026
• 3% stamp duty for registrations completed by 31 March 2026
The initiative aims to revive the property market, provide financial relief to buyers, and promote legal formalization of property ownership. Officials stated that the relief is part of broader efforts to simplify property transfer procedures and encourage investment in housing.
District authorities and revenue offices have been directed to facilitate property registrations under the new rates and ensure smooth implementation of the policy across Punjab.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved round-the-clock commercial activity across the province during the holy month of Ramadan, allowing markets, commercial outlets, bakeries, hotels, and retail establishments to remain operational 24 hours a day. The decision is aimed at facilitating consumers and sustaining uninterrupted economic activity in major urban centres.
Officials stated that the government will also provide financial assistance to eligible households, with combined support from federal and provincial programmes reaching up to Rs23,000 per family. The assistance is intended to help low-income segments manage increased household expenses during Ramadan.
Authorities noted that extended operating hours are expected to enhance the functional capacity of established commercial districts, increase footfall, and improve the overall economic performance of mixed-use urban zones. Continuous activity is also likely to strengthen investor confidence in established retail corridors and support the sustained utilization of commercial infrastructure.
Economic observers said the policy could contribute to higher transaction volumes, greater occupancy and activity levels in key business districts, and improved momentum in urban economic centres, reinforcing their role as primary hubs of commercial and economic engagement during the peak seasonal period.