Punjab Province

Lahore:[ReNews Pakistan] Lahore witnessed a historic day today as the city hosted its first-ever marathon under the energetic slogan “Bhag Mere Lahore”, aimed at promoting fitness and a healthy lifestyle. The colorful and spirited event drew thousands of participants, passing through both historic and modern parts of the city. The marathon commenced early morning from Liberty Chowk, Gulberg, with participants of all ages, including men, women, children, and seniors. The event included a full marathon (42.195 km),ub half marathon (21 km), 10 km run, and a 5 km family fun run. The route took runners past iconic locations such as Mall Road, near Badshahi Mosque, Minar-e-Pakistan, and Lahore Fort, providing a memorable experience surrounded by the city’s rich heritage and beauty. Organizers stated that the “Bhag Mere Lahore” slogan is intended to encourage residents towards an active and healthy lifestyle. This inaugural marathon marks the beginning of a growing fitness culture in Lahore, with plans to expand the event into a larger, international-level marathon in the coming years. Both local runners and international athletes participated, displaying remarkable enthusiasm and energy. Winners received awards, and the event concluded with cultural performances and live music, adding to the festive atmosphere. Officials highlighted that the marathon not only promotes sports but also fosters community spirit, health awareness, and active citizenship. With the support of government and private organizations, the marathon is expected to become an annual event. Lahore residents expressed pride and excitement, welcoming “Bhag Mere Lahore” as the city’s new mantra for fitness and healthy living.

Kasur:[ReNews Pakistan] (Sadaf Arshad) The long awaited renovation of Chunian’s main bazaar has been completed in early January 2026, bringing visible improvements to public convenience and the overall urban environment. The initiative was carried out as part of Punjab’s ongoing campaign against illegal encroachments, with enforcement actions resulting in the removal of long standing obstructions from the marketplace. During the operation, unauthorized extensions, roadside stalls, and temporary structures that had occupied footpaths and carriageways for years were cleared. As a result, the bazaar has become significantly more spacious, allowing smoother pedestrian movement and reducing congestion that previously posed safety concerns, particularly for women, children, and elderly shoppers. As part of the renovation, seating benches have been installed in the central sections of the bazaar to provide resting spaces for visitors. In addition, the entry of motorcycles and other vehicles has been completely prohibited. Safety chains and barriers have been placed at both ends of the market to prevent vehicular access, effectively transforming the area into a fully pedestrian shopping zone. According to administrative sources, these measures aim to improve traffic management, enhance public safety, and preserve the aesthetic appeal of the city’s commercial center. With encroachments removed, the market now offers a cleaner, more organized environment that supports pedestrian friendly activity. Residents and traders have been urged to cooperate with the new arrangements, maintain cleanliness, and refrain from re establishing encroachments to ensure the sustainability of these improvements. While an initial adjustment period is expected, officials note that the long term benefits improved accessibility, safety, and urban order are likely to outweigh short term inconveniences.

Kasur:[ReNews Pakistan] At the start of January 2026, Punjab’s ongoing encroachment removal and city beautification campaign has gained momentum in District Kasur. Following clear directives from Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the district administration and Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) are conducting joint operations, resulting in visible improvements across various urban areas. The provincial government issued instructions in December 2025 to renovate 188 markets across Punjab and implement a zero-tolerance policy against illegal encroachments. Under this initiative, streets, sidewalks, and public spaces in District Kasur are being cleared and organized. As part of the first phase of the Punjab Beautification Plan (February–May 2026), 132 development schemes are underway across the district and the province, with a total budget of PKR 16.9 billion. Operations in Kasur, Chunniyan, Pattoki, and Kot Radha Kishan have targeted illegal stalls, temporary and permanent encroachments on streets and sidewalks. Recent actions in areas such as Allahabad Chowk in Chunniyan have also been carried out, with some resistance encountered, but overall enforcement continued without interruption. At the district level, Deputy Commissioner Kasur Muhammad Asif Raza is overseeing the operations, while Assistant Commissioners of each tehsil supervise field activities daily. Progress reports on cleanliness, encroachment removal, and beautification are presented in Lahore Division meetings to ensure coordinated implementation. Following the clearance of encroachments, markets have become wider, traffic flow has improved, and pedestrians—especially women, children, and the elderly—now enjoy safer and easier access. Pedestrian zones in places like Chunniyan Main Market are already showing noticeable improvements in mobility and public convenience. The administration has set a target to complete the first phase of the campaign by May 2026. Uniform standards are being maintained across all districts, and PE-RA has been given additional authority to enforce regulations. Citizens are urged to cooperate with authorities, avoid re-establishing encroachments, and maintain cleanliness, ensuring that District Kasur transforms into a well-organized and aesthetically improved urban area.