Punjab Province

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Lahore Metropolitan Corporation (LMC) has achieved a historic milestone in revenue generation, collecting a record PKR 8.15 billion through the Transfer of Tax on Immovable Property (TTIP) during the current fiscal year, significantly exceeding its annual target and reflecting robust growth in the city's real estate sector.
According to official sources, the municipality had set a TTIP revenue target of approximately PKR 6.6 billion for FY2025–26. However, collections had already reached PKR 8.15 billion by June 1, representing nearly 135 percent of the annual target. Officials described the achievement as one of the strongest performances in the corporation's recent history and a major contributor to the overall improvement in municipal revenues.
Authorities said the exceptional increase in property transfer tax collections highlights stronger activity in Lahore's real estate market alongside more efficient revenue collection mechanisms. The higher-than-expected receipts have strengthened the municipality's financial position and are expected to support future urban development and public service initiatives.
Revenue generated through building map approval fees also recorded substantial growth during the fiscal year. Against an annual target of PKR 400 million, the Planning Department had collected more than PKR 391.8 million by June 15, with officials expressing confidence that collections would surpass the target before the close of the financial year.
Officials noted that annual revenue from map fees had historically remained around PKR 200 million, making this year's performance a significant improvement. The increase has been attributed to higher construction activity, greater compliance with approval procedures, and improved administrative efficiency.
In addition to property-related revenues, income generated from Lahore's General Bus Stand also registered notable growth, further contributing to the municipality's overall financial performance during the fiscal year.
Municipal officials stated that the record collections reflect stronger revenue management across multiple sectors, with immovable property transfer taxes and building map fees emerging as the primary drivers of revenue growth. They added that the improved financial performance would enhance the corporation's capacity to fund civic infrastructure, urban planning, and public service projects in the coming years.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has completed the long awaited rehabilitation and dualisation of the Multan Vehari Highway, converting one of South Punjab’s most accident-prone roads into a modern transport corridor designed to improve safety, connectivity and regional economic activity.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced the project's completion through a social media post, stating that the highway was completed in record time under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s provincial road development programme. The project was finalised before the previously announced end-of-June completion target.
Stretching approximately 90 kilometres, the upgraded highway passes through the districts of Multan, Khanewal and Vehari, serving as a vital transportation route for thousands of commuters, transporters and businesses every day. The improved road is expected to significantly reduce travel time while enhancing access between major urban centres and surrounding rural communities.
For years, the route had gained notoriety among motorists as "Qatil Road" due to its deteriorated condition, frequent traffic accidents and inadequate infrastructure. Travellers routinely faced damaged pavement, deep potholes, heavy dust, traffic congestion and lengthy travel times, making it one of the most hazardous highways in the region.
The completed project includes the dualisation and reconstruction of the highway, providing wider carriageways and smoother road surfaces aimed at improving driving conditions and reducing the risk of accidents.
Officials believe the upgraded corridor will play an important role in strengthening South Punjab's transport network by facilitating the faster movement of agricultural produce, commercial goods and passenger traffic. Farmers, traders, students and logistics operators are expected to benefit from safer and more efficient travel, supporting both local businesses and regional economic growth.
Earlier this month, provincial officials had confirmed that nearly 80 percent of the construction work had been completed and announced June 30 as the target date for project completion. The latest announcement confirms that the highway has been completed ahead of schedule.
While the Punjab government has yet to announce a formal inauguration ceremony, the completion of the Multan Vehari Highway marks a significant milestone in the province's infrastructure development efforts and is expected to provide long-term benefits for motorists and businesses across South Punjab.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Punjab government has inaugurated a digital toll collection system at the Eastern Toll Plaza on Lahore Ring Road, introducing a technology-based mechanism aimed at improving traffic flow, reducing waiting time and enhancing toll collection efficiency.
Punjab Minister for Communication and Works Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth formally launched the new digital toll plaza during an inauguration ceremony attended by Punjab Ring Road Authority Chairperson Safiullah Gondal, senior officials of the Frontier Works Organization and representatives of One Network.
The six lane toll plaza has been equipped with M-Tag facilities, enabling automated toll collection for vehicles using Lahore Ring Road. Officials said the system would help commuters pass through the toll plaza more quickly, reduce long queues and support smoother movement of traffic on one of Lahore’s busiest routes
According to officials, the digital platform will also strengthen monitoring and surveillance on Lahore Ring Road. The system is expected to help identify and monitor suspicious vehicles, improving security arrangements alongside traffic management.
During the briefing, participants were informed that the Eastern Toll Plaza had previously been managed through a third party arrangement, which created operational difficulties and caused inconvenience for road users. The newly introduced digital system is expected to address those issues by improving service delivery, traffic control and the overall commuter experience.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth said the Punjab government is committed to using modern technology in public infrastructure projects to improve efficiency and facilitate citizens. He said digitalisation of toll collection would not only make the process faster but also promote transparency in revenue collection.
The minister added that technology driven systems are essential for modern urban transport management and that the Lahore Ring Road digital toll initiative reflects the government’s broader policy of upgrading public infrastructure through smart and efficient solutions.
Officials said the new digital toll collection system will contribute to better traffic discipline, faster vehicle movement, improved revenue monitoring and greater convenience for thousands of commuters who use Lahore Ring Road daily.