Punjab Province

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.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has approved major reforms to the rules governing private housing schemes, making it mandatory for all new applications and amendments to previously approved schemes to be submitted through a central digital approval system.
The Punjab Cabinet’s Standing Committee on Legislative Business has approved comprehensive amendments to the Punjab Private Housing Schemes Rules 2022. The reforms are aimed at improving transparency, planning standards, regulatory oversight and protection for property buyers.
Under the new rules, strict action can be taken against housing schemes established without approval or projects that fail to complete development work within the prescribed time. Such schemes may face daily fines ranging from PKR 5,000 to PKR 20,000.
The amended rules also place emphasis on underground utility services, stronger infrastructure planning and the provision of essential residential facilities. The government believes these measures will help protect buyers, discourage illegal schemes and promote affordable housing.
Any housing scheme involving more than five landowners will be required to apply through a registered company or a cooperative society. The number of owners in an approved scheme will not be allowed to increase later.
The number of entities participating in a joint venture housing project has also been limited to five, while cooperative societies will not be permitted to enter into joint venture agreements.
The amendments have been aligned with the Punjab Local Government Act 2025 and will take effect after publication in the official gazette.