Punjab Province

Kasur: District Reporter, Sadaf Arshad | ReNews Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to carry out extensive beautification and urban improvement works at entry and exit points of cities across the province, placing emphasis on planned land use, public spaces, and civic infrastructure. During a special meeting on the Punjab Development Plan (PDP), the chief minister ordered thorough cleanliness and maintenance beneath overhead bridges and along major urban corridors. She instructed that green belts, landscaped areas, and play zones be developed as part of city gateway planning to improve the overall urban environment and public accessibility. She also directed the decoration and aesthetic enhancement of overhead bridges and underpasses, stressing that such structures should be integrated into broader urban design and land planning frameworks. The objective is to ensure that transport infrastructure contributes positively to city landscapes rather than creating neglected or underutilized spaces. To strengthen oversight and accountability, the chief minister ordered that all PDP projects be geo-tagged. This will allow authorities to monitor project locations, progress, and compliance with approved development plans, helping to curb unauthorized changes in land use and delays in execution. Addressing highway-related infrastructure, Maryam Nawaz Sharif sought a detailed plan for the establishment of standardized washroom facilities along provincial highways. She highlighted that such facilities are an essential component of highway land planning, particularly for long-distance travelers and transport operators. Deputy commissioners from Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar, Vehari, Wazirabad, Sheikhupura, and Kasur briefed the meeting on the progress of PDP projects in their districts. The briefings included updates on urban development schemes, public space improvement initiatives, and land-related infrastructure works. The chief minister instructed district administrations to ensure that development projects are implemented in line with approved land use plans, avoid encroachments, and deliver functional public amenities. She emphasized that urban development must remain people-centric, environmentally responsible, and aligned with long-term planning goals. The directives form part of Punjab’s broader urban renewal strategy aimed at improving city aesthetics, regulating land use, and strengthening civic infrastructure under the Punjab Development Plan.

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan Government Graduate College Asghar Mall in Rawalpindi has been granted the status of National Heritage. The announcement was made by the Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, during a ceremony held at the college. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the institution had been included in the National Heritage list in recognition of its historical importance, long standing educational services, and cultural role in the region. He described the college as a symbol of learning and character that reflects Pakistan’s cultural tradition. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said a formal ceremony would be held soon to officially confer the National Heritage honour on the college. He added that government representatives, educationists, and members of the college community would attend the event. In his address, the federal minister described the college as an institution closely linked with knowledge and cultural identity, and encouraged students by referring to them as the future of the nation. Officials said the National Heritage status would help preserve the historical identity of the college and ensure its protection in line with national heritage policies. Relevant authorities will oversee conservation efforts to safeguard the institution’s historic character.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has approved a new policy to bring unused state land into productive use through transparent auctions and long term leasing arrangements. The policy, cleared by the provincial cabinet, assigns implementation and oversight responsibility to the Board of Revenue Punjab. Officials said the framework is designed to prevent illegal occupation of public land, increase government revenue, and create structured opportunities for private investment while ensuring that ownership of state land remains with the government. Under the policy, idle government land will be offered on long term leases ranging from ten to twenty years. While leaseholders will be permitted to develop and utilise the land, legal ownership will continue to vest with the state. The government has described the approach as a balance between economic activity and public control over strategic land assets. The policy sets clear conditions on land use, limiting leases to productive and economic purposes. Priority sectors include industry, agriculture, livestock, and tourism. Lease rights will be allocated through open and transparent auctions, a move officials say is intended to improve investor confidence and reduce the risk of irregular allocations. According to the government, land records will be updated and verified under the supervision of the Board of Revenue, with all leases subject to legal scrutiny. The policy also includes provisions for reclaiming land in cases of illegal occupation or violations of lease conditions, using established legal procedures. Government sources said the initiative is expected to improve transparency in land management, support economic growth, and safeguard public interest, while ensuring that state land remains permanently under government ownership.