Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
The Supreme Court has ruled that a buyer who fails to pay the outstanding amount within the time specified in a sale agreement cannot claim the right to have the property transferred in their name.
The court observed that time is a fundamental element in property sale transactions. It stated that a buyer cannot keep a seller bound by a contract for an indefinite period.
The case related to the purchase of approximately five kanals of land in Sialkot. The agreement was signed on March 11, 2014, under which buyer Amjad Javed paid PKR 800,000 as earnest money.
Under the agreement, the buyer was required to pay the remaining PKR 6.48 million by July 27, 2014. However, the amount was not paid within the agreed deadline.
The seller subsequently forfeited the earnest money. The buyer challenged the decision, but the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal filed against the High Court ruling.
The Supreme Court made it clear that compliance with contractual terms and timely payment are essential in property sale and purchase agreements.

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.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has decided to introduce digital monitoring at marriage halls, marquees, farmhouses and restaurants in a major move aimed at curbing tax evasion, improving revenue collection and making the provincial tax system more transparent.
The decision was taken during a high level meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where officials reviewed the province’s revenue performance and discussed steps to strengthen tax enforcement through modern technology.
Under the proposed plan, advanced camera systems will be installed at marriage halls, marquees, farmhouses and major food chains to monitor commercial activity and help authorities assess whether businesses are accurately declaring their sales and tax liabilities.
Officials said the initiative is designed to identify cases where businesses issue fake receipts, conceal sales or underreport income. Strict action will be taken against establishments found involved in tax evasion or documentation fraud.
The provincial government is also considering making digital payments mandatory at selected restaurants. Authorities believe this will create a clear financial record of transactions and reduce the possibility of cash based underreporting.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the government would follow a zero tolerance policy against tax evasion. She said technology based monitoring, digital tools and improved enforcement mechanisms would be used to detect irregularities and ensure better compliance.
During the meeting, officials informed the chief minister that Punjab has set a revenue target of Rs. 528.5 billion for FY27. The Punjab Revenue Authority’s collections have increased from Rs. 250 billion to Rs. 346 billion, showing a growth of 38 percent.
The meeting was further informed that the Punjab Revenue Authority has expanded its operational presence from 10 districts to 26 districts. Dedicated intelligence, investigation, taxpayer audit and legal wings have also been established to strengthen tax administration across the province.
Officials said the digital monitoring initiative is part of a wider effort to modernize Punjab’s revenue system, reduce leakages and bring more businesses into the documented economy.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Legal experts believe that the introduction of the Green Property Certificate will not completely eliminate the patwari system or the role of revenue staff. Patwaris and other revenue officials will continue to perform important functions in certain areas, including land demarcation, site inspection reports, possession verification, record correction and other legal proceedings.
However, their traditional monopoly over obtaining a Fard, or basic ownership record, is likely to decrease, as citizens will be able to access land records directly through a digital and institutional system.
The biggest benefit of the Green Property Certificate will be that prospective buyers can verify ownership through official records before finalising a property transaction. This is expected to reduce issues such as fake Fards, fraudulent mutations, the sale of the same plot to multiple buyers and unlawful alterations to land records.
However, the certificate will not replace a registered sale deed, mutation record or a final court decision. Even where a digital record or certificate is issued in one person’s name, another party may still assert a legal claim over the same property, particularly if they possess an earlier registry, inheritance right, court decree, original mutation, partition deed or evidence of forged documents.
In such a situation, the affected party may first submit an objection and an application for correction of the record at the relevant Arazi Record Centre or revenue office of the Punjab Land Records Authority. The application should be supported by documents including the registry, Fard, mutation, inheritance papers, national identity card, court order or other relevant evidence.
Where the dispute relates to an error in the record, a forged mutation or an unlawful entry, an inquiry and correction may be sought from the revenue authorities. If the dispute is complex, involves competing ownership claims or is based on a registered legal document, the matter may need to be taken before a civil court.
The affected party may file a suit for declaration of ownership, cancellation of a registry or mutation, correction of the land record and an injunction. A temporary injunction may also be obtained to prevent the property from being sold, transferred or mortgaged while the dispute is pending.
In cases involving forged documents, fake biometric verification, fraud or impersonation, the affected party may also approach the police or the relevant investigation agency. However, the final determination of ownership is generally made by the relevant revenue forum or a civil court.
The proposed launch of the Green Property Certificate in Punjab is being seen as an important step towards making land and property records more modern, transparent and citizen friendly. Under the system, citizens will not have to rely entirely on the traditional patwari process to verify ownership of plots, agricultural land or other properties. Instead, they will be able to obtain a digitally verified certificate based on computerised land records.
Under the government’s plan, the certificate will be issued within the administrative framework of the Punjab Land Records Authority, which operates computerised systems for land records, Fards, mutations and ownership details under the Board of Revenue Punjab. Citizens will be able to apply through the relevant Arazi Record Centre, designated service centres or an online platform introduced for this purpose.
Before a certificate is issued, the applicant’s national identity card, khasra number, khata or khatooni, mutation, registry, inheritance details and available digital land record will be reviewed and cross checked. If the record is found accurate, a verified Green Property Certificate will be issued as preliminary official evidence of the property’s ownership status.
The core purpose of the Green Property Certificate is to link land records with a transparent system rather than with individual discretion. Its success will depend on whether digital records remain complete, accurate, regularly updated and easily accessible to citizens, while property disputes are resolved fairly and without delay.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The Sindh High Court has upheld the National Accountability Bureau’s action to cancel the illegal allotment of approximately 800 acres of valuable government land in Karachi, dismissing multiple petitions filed by the beneficiaries of the disputed transactions.
According to details released by NAB, the court declared the allotments void from the outset and held that no legal protection could be extended to transactions built on a fraudulent foundation. The court also affirmed that NAB’s intervention and the cancellation of the allotments were lawful.
The case relates to one of Karachi’s major land scandals, which dates back to the early 1990s. NAB stated that the state owned urban land was allegedly transferred to private parties through fabricated evacuee claims, forged documents and the alleged involvement of corrupt officials. The land was later sold through multiple transactions at substantial profits.
Some of the disputed land includes facilities that form part of Karachi’s water supply system, while other portions had been reserved for public parks. Following NAB’s intervention, the bureau worked with the Sindh Board of Revenue to cancel fraudulent land records and restore the properties to government control.
The petitioners had argued before the court that they had not been given a proper hearing and were bona fide purchasers who were unaware of the alleged fraud. However, the court rejected these arguments and directed any affected buyers to seek legal remedy against those who sold them the disputed land, rather than against the State.
NAB said the ruling sends a clear message that government land obtained through fraud or illegal allotment will be traced and restored for public use.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Lahore’s rapidly growing population has intensified pressure on the city’s infrastructure, housing planning and basic urban services. Experts say the pressure is not limited to one area, although its nature differs between the old city and Lahore’s expanding outskirts.
Residents of the old city are facing overcrowding, narrow streets and inadequate sewerage, water supply, parking and traffic management. Meanwhile, newly developed peripheral settlements are struggling with rapid land conversion, incomplete civic facilities and long commuting distances.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics’ 2023 census data, Lahore’s population has reached nearly 13 million. The district is also among Punjab’s leading destinations for migration from within the province and other parts of the country.
Urban planning experts say old Lahore is facing the most immediate and intense infrastructure pressure, as residential and commercial activity has become concentrated within limited space. In areas including the Walled City, Bhati Gate, Mochi Gate, Shah Alami, Akbari Mandi and adjoining localities, the subdivision of old houses, shared living by multiple families and increased commercial use have made water supply, drainage, sanitation and emergency access increasingly difficult.
On the other hand, the city’s outskirts are facing broader, long-term pressure. The expansion of new housing schemes and private residential projects along Lahore’s edges has rapidly converted agricultural land into built-up areas. Research studies indicate that while the spread of housing societies has expanded the city’s boundaries, the provision of roads, public transport, water, sewerage, schools, hospitals and employment centres has not kept pace.
The housing shortage has now taken a different form. The issue is no longer simply the limited number of homes; suitable housing is increasingly beyond the reach of low- and middle-income families. This has led to rising rents, overcrowding in small flats and homes, unplanned subdivision of old houses, the growth of informal settlements and housing located far from workplaces.
Pakistan’s overall housing shortfall is estimated at more than 10 million units, with urban, low-income and peri-urban households bearing the greatest impact.
Experts believe Lahore’s solution does not lie in new housing schemes alone. It also requires the rehabilitation of the old city, affordable housing, improved rental systems, vertical development, integrated public transport and advance planning for water, sewerage, parks, schools and healthcare facilities in new settlements.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The shrinking of agricultural land in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab, is often linked to the rapid expansion of housing societies. However, experts believe the issue is not limited to residential schemes alone. Labour shortages, the growing trend of young people from farming families moving abroad, expensive fertiliser, pesticides, seeds, diesel, electricity and rising cultivation costs have also become major factors behind the decline in agricultural land use.
Punjab is Pakistan’s key agricultural province, producing major crops including wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, vegetables and fodder. However, in recent years, agricultural land around major cities has come under increasing pressure from housing schemes, commercial projects, roads and urban expansion. In districts including Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura and Kasur, the conversion of farmland into residential and commercial use has raised serious questions about food security and the future of the agricultural economy.
Real estate experts say housing societies are certainly one of the major reasons behind the shrinking of farmland, but the declining profitability of farming is also pushing landowners to sell agricultural land. When farmers do not receive a fair price for their crops, input costs continue to rise and profit margins shrink, selling land for plots or residential projects begins to appear more attractive than continuing cultivation.
People associated with the agriculture sector say the rising cost of fertiliser, pesticides, seeds, diesel, tube wells, electricity and labour has increased financial pressure on small and medium-sized farmers. For many farmers, growing a crop has become more expensive and riskier than before. If the weather turns unfavourable, the crop is damaged or market prices fall, the farmer is forced to bear heavy losses.
At the same time, the movement of rural youth away from agriculture is emerging as another major challenge. Many young people from farming families now prefer jobs in cities, industries, services or abroad rather than working in the fields. The desire to find employment in Gulf countries, Europe and other regions has particularly affected the availability of rural labour. As a result, farm workers are either unavailable in many areas or their wages have become too high for small farmers.
Experts say when young people from farming households no longer view agriculture as a secure source of future income, family owned farmland gradually moves toward non agricultural use. Some families lease out their land instead of cultivating it themselves, while others sell it to finance urban businesses, house construction, children’s education or overseas migration expenses.
Weak urban planning is another important dimension of the issue. In several areas, housing schemes have expanded over agricultural land, while vertical construction, approved master plans, agricultural zoning and protection of green belts have not been effectively enforced. As a result, cities have continued to expand in an unplanned manner and valuable farmland has been converted into residential use.
Experts believe that action against illegal housing societies alone will not be enough to protect agricultural land. The government must take measures that make cultivation more beneficial for farmers than selling land. For this, farmers need easier access to affordable fertiliser, seeds, pesticides, electricity, water and machinery, along with better crop prices, modern technology, agricultural advisory services and direct access to markets.
Real estate and agricultural experts say if rural youth are provided with opportunities in modern farming, agribusiness, value addition, cold storage, food processing and agri tech, they can turn agriculture into a profitable enterprise instead of leaving the sector. At the same time, unnecessary conversion of agricultural land, unapproved housing projects and unplanned urban sprawl must also be controlled.
Experts say Punjab needs a comprehensive policy to protect agricultural land. Such a policy should include strict monitoring of housing societies, agricultural zoning, financial support for farmers, reduction in costly farm inputs, rural employment opportunities and measures to attract the younger generation toward modern agriculture. Without these steps, shrinking farmland will not remain merely a real estate issue; it could become a major challenge for food security, employment, the environment and the national economy.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Revenue Authority has sealed multiple branches of fast food chain KFC in Lahore over alleged tax non compliance.
According to sources, 5 KFC branches have been sealed in Lahore, including outlets located in DHA EME, Askari 10 and DHA Z Block.
The action comes days after the Punjab Revenue Authority also sealed several branches of coffee chain Double Shot in Lahore over alleged misreporting of sales data and violations of electronic invoicing rules.
In an order issued under Section 59A of the Punjab Sales Tax on Services Act, 2012, the PRA stated that the business had allegedly bypassed the mandatory Electronic Invoice Monitoring System and under declared taxable sales.
Meanwhile, authorities in Islamabad also sealed a Red Apple outlet in F-6 Markaz over allegations of issuing unverified sales tax receipts.
According to initial reports, the action was taken after concerns emerged regarding the alleged issuance of unauthenticated or improper tax invoices, prompting tax enforcement teams to intervene.
KFC has not yet issued an official response on the matter.

Dubai | ReNews International Desk News
Brazil’s famous football star Neymar Jr has purchased a luxury penthouse worth nearly $54.5 million, equivalent to 200 million dirhams, in the world’s first Bugatti inspired luxury residential project located in Dubai’s Business Bay area.
According to reports, the penthouse is part of the Sky Mansion Collection, which is attracting special attention in the global real estate market because of its modern facilities, unique design and luxury lifestyle.
Neymar’s penthouse has become prominent in real estate, football and luxury lifestyle circles around the world due to its modern and exclusive features. The most unique facility in the residence is a private car lift, which allows residents to bring their vehicle directly into their luxury apartment.
The penthouse also includes a spacious private swimming pool, offering stunning views of Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai skyline. This feature places it among Dubai’s most prominent luxury residences.
The penthouse has been designed in the style of the French Riviera. The project includes a private beach, elegant interiors and fine use of marble, granite and wood. The building’s design reflects the beauty, speed and aerodynamic structure of Bugatti supercars.
The luxury residence also offers a modern smart home system, an entertainment bar area, gym, private spa and five star hotel style facilities. The project includes a total of 182 unique residential units.
Real estate experts say Neymar’s purchase of a luxury property in Dubai shows that the city continues to remain an attractive destination for wealthy investors, celebrities and luxury buyers from around the world.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
The government has decided to change the format of electricity bills across the country to make them easier, clearer and more understandable for consumers.
According to the Ministry of Energy’s Power Division, important information will be displayed more prominently in the new billing format. This information will include the payable amount, billing period, units consumed, last date for payment and other basic details.
Officials said many consumers currently face difficulty in understanding how much the actual electricity cost is, how much tax has been charged, what surcharges have been added and on what basis the final bill has been calculated. For this reason, it has been decided to make the bill design simpler and more consumer-friendly.
Under the new format, important amounts and dates will be shown more clearly so that consumers do not have to spend much time reading the bill and can quickly understand how much they have to pay and by what date.
According to the Ministry of Energy, information about units consumed will also be displayed in a clear manner so that consumers can better assess their monthly electricity usage. This will help consumers reduce electricity consumption, plan their budgets and check their bills more easily.
The new bill may also show taxes, fuel price adjustment, fixed charges, surcharges and other government or regulatory charges in a relatively clearer way. The purpose is to help consumers understand which additional charges have been included in their bill apart from the actual cost of electricity.
Officials said making electricity bills easier to understand could help reduce consumer complaints, as a large number of people are unable to understand different sections of the bill and do not know under which head extra amounts are being charged.
Energy sector experts said transparency in electricity bills is essential for consumer confidence. If the bill is simple and clear, an ordinary consumer can easily understand their consumption, payable amount and additional charges.
Experts said the new billing format should not be limited to a design change only. It should also include a clear explanation of every charge so that consumers know how much they are paying under each head.
Following the government’s decision, power distribution companies will have to take necessary steps to implement the new billing format. It is expected that the new format will make it easier for consumers to read and understand electricity bills compared to the current system.

Multan | ReNews Pakistan
Multan’s real estate market is witnessing fresh activity as the Multan Development Authority moves ahead with auction plans for commercial and residential plots in various housing schemes.
According to the latest public notices listed by the authority, open auction activity is planned for plots situated in different MDA housing schemes. The move is expected to attract investors, builders and end users looking for legally documented property options in the city.
Real estate observers say official auctions can help bring more transparency to property transactions, especially at a time when buyers are becoming more careful about legal status, transfer procedures and development approvals.
Multan’s property market is also being supported by the growth of planned housing projects. DHA Multan remains one of the city’s major planned communities, with its large scale residential and commercial development continuing to influence investment activity in South Punjab.
Other approved housing societies and new private projects are also contributing to market movement, particularly in areas connected with Bosan Road, Mattital Road, Northern Bypass and other expanding corridors of the city.
Market experts believe that Multan is gradually moving from traditional property buying toward planned urban development. Demand is being shaped by better road connectivity, gated communities, commercial plots, apartment projects and increasing interest from overseas Pakistanis.
However, investors have been advised to verify the legal status of any housing scheme before buying plots or files. Checking MDA approval, layout plan status and ownership documents remains important to avoid investment risks.
Overall, Multan’s real estate sector appears to be moving through a development led phase, where official auctions, approved housing projects and expanding urban infrastructure are expected to remain key drivers of property activity.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The trend of overseas Pakistanis’ investment in Pakistan’s real estate sector appears to be rising again rather than declining. However, the increase remains cautious in nature. Overseas Pakistanis are showing interest in the property market, but full momentum has not yet returned due to concerns over fraud, unapproved housing schemes, possession disputes, taxes and timely completion of projects.
No separate official monthly data is regularly released on overseas Pakistanis’ real estate investment in Pakistan, making it difficult to measure this investment directly in percentage terms. However, if remittances, Roshan Digital Account inflows, government tax relief and property related facilities for overseas Pakistanis are taken into account, investment potential and interest in the sector appear to have increased during fiscal year 2025-26.
According to the figures, remittances from overseas Pakistanis stood at $4.251 billion in May 2026, showing an increase of 20.2 percent on a monthly basis and 15.4 percent on a yearly basis. During July to May FY2025-26, total remittances reached $38.1 billion, which is 9.2 percent higher compared to the same period last year. According to economic experts, the rise in remittances is a positive indicator for the real estate sector, as a major portion of overseas Pakistanis’ savings is generally invested in plots, houses and commercial property.
Improvement has also been witnessed in overseas investment through the Roshan Digital Account. In April 2026, RDA inflows reached a record level of $321 million, while total inflows rose to $12.747 billion. Similarly, RDA inflows during the current fiscal year stood at $2.184 billion, higher than $1.925 billion recorded during the same period last year.
Under the State Bank’s Roshan Apna Ghar programme, non-resident Pakistanis can digitally purchase, construct or renovate a house in Pakistan. Investments made through RDA can also be repatriated abroad, indicating that a formal route for overseas Pakistanis to invest in real estate is active.
On the other hand, the government has also described measures to reduce property taxes and transaction costs in the FY2026-27 budget as important for overseas investment. According to reports, steps such as reductions in withholding tax, capital gains tax and property valuations are aimed at bringing buyers, sellers and especially overseas Pakistanis back towards the real estate market.
However, challenges still remain. The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation has also acknowledged that overseas Pakistanis are interested in real estate due to the potential for higher returns, but many have suffered losses because of fraud and non-completion of projects by developers. This is why scrutiny of housing societies that have an NOC and the required land is being considered.
According to real estate experts, any increase in overseas Pakistanis’ investment depends on trust, legal protection and approved projects. If the government ensures transparent digital records, online verification of NOCs, protection of possession rights and timely delivery of projects, investment by overseas Pakistanis in the country’s real estate sector may increase further in the coming months.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
Construction costs in Pakistan have increased significantly over the past five years, making the budget for building a house much more difficult for ordinary buyers and the middle class compared to the past.
According to market estimates, the cost of residential construction was relatively lower in 2021. However, after 2022, a continuous increase in the prices of cement, steel, bricks, gravel, sand, labour and finishing materials placed growing pressure on construction budgets. The depreciation of the rupee, higher energy costs, transportation expenses and the rising prices of imported finishing materials also affected the overall cost.
Five year comparative review
Year General grey structure cost per square foot General complete construction cost per square foot Market trend
2021 Around Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,100 Around Rs 3,200 to Rs 4,000 Costs remained relatively under control
2022 Around Rs 2,200 to Rs 2,400 Around Rs 4,000 to Rs 4,800 Cement and steel prices started rising
2023 Around Rs 2,400 to Rs 2,700 Around Rs 4,800 to Rs 5,800 Clear impact of inflation and rupee depreciation
2024 Around Rs 2,600 to Rs 3,000 Around Rs 5,200 to Rs 6,500 Construction activity remained cautious
2025 Around Rs 2,800 to Rs 3,300 Around Rs 5,500 to Rs 7,500 Material and labour costs stayed at higher levels
2026 Around Rs 2,800 to Rs 3,500 or more Around Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,800 or more Cost differences widened further depending on quality, city and design
According to construction sector experts, the biggest impact was seen in grey structure work, as cement, steel, bricks, sand, gravel, crush and labour play a central role in it. On the other hand, the cost of complete construction came under additional pressure due to tiles, wood, aluminium, sanitary fittings, electrical items, paint and other finishing materials.
Construction costs have not remained the same in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi and other major cities. In larger cities, labour, transportation, society bylaws, basement work, map approval, foundation requirements, soil condition and material quality have created a clear difference in per square foot construction costs.
Market observers say that the biggest cost difference in the construction of five marla, ten marla and one kanal houses comes from the quality of finishing. Simple finishing keeps the cost relatively lower, while imported tiles, premium sanitary fittings, high quality woodwork, modern kitchens, false ceilings and smart home features can increase the cost several times.
The figures show that over the past five years, house construction has become expensive not only because of materials, but also due to labour, design, approvals, transportation and energy costs. This is why many families have started preferring phased construction, limiting work to the grey structure or choosing smaller house sizes instead of completing an entire house at once.
Experts believe that if material prices remain stable and the trend of declining interest rates continues, construction activity may improve. However, building a house will still remain a major financial challenge for ordinary buyers.
Overall, the five year comparison of construction costs in Pakistan shows that the budget for residential construction has increased significantly. In the future, people planning to build a house will need to prepare a detailed estimate of the budget, material rates, labour cost, map approval, foundation work and finishing quality before starting construction.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The expansion of new and unplanned housing societies in Punjab has affected agricultural land on a large scale. According to available reports, nearly 225,000 acres of valuable agricultural land in the province have been consumed by housing schemes and unplanned urban expansion over the past few decades.
Reports suggest that this land was converted into around 6,000 housing schemes, of which nearly 4,000 were allegedly developed illegally. The situation is being described as a matter of concern for the province, as Punjab plays a central role in the country’s agricultural production, food requirements and rural economy.
In terms of kanal, 225,000 acres are equal to nearly 1.8 million kanal, while in hectares this area is around 91,000 hectares. Experts say the conversion of agricultural land into residential and commercial use on such a large scale could become a threat to future food production and the agricultural economy.
According to officials, unplanned urban expansion has not only raised concerns over a possible decline in agricultural output but has also worsened environmental issues. The reduction of agricultural land affects green cover, while new settlements, roads, construction and traffic pressure increase smog, pollution and the burden on urban facilities.
The Punjab government has prepared land use and zoning plans for 32 districts to stop this trend. Under these plans, separate zones have been allocated for residential, commercial and industrial use. Officials say no new housing scheme or commercial project will be allowed on land that has not been approved or notified for that purpose under the master plan.
Real estate observers believe this measure may help stop the spread of illegal housing schemes, protect agricultural land and regulate urban development. However, strict monitoring by local administrations, development authorities and municipal institutions will be necessary for effective implementation.
Experts say Punjab will need to focus on planned urban growth, vertical construction, approved residential projects and protection of agricultural land instead of horizontal expansion, so that urban needs can be met without damaging the province’s agricultural base.
Overall, reports that nearly 225,000 acres of agricultural land have been affected by the expansion of housing societies in Punjab show that maintaining a balance between real estate development and agricultural protection has become an urgent need for the province.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
The federal government has allocated Rs 71 billion for the Prime Minister’s “Apna Ghar” Programme in Budget 2026 27, aimed at supporting low and middle income citizens through affordable housing, easier access to loans and the promotion of housing finance.
According to the budget proposals, the government plans to meet housing needs by providing financing through the banking sector on easier terms, enabling citizens to obtain loans for purchasing a house, constructing a home or building on a plot. The programme is being viewed as significant at a time when inflation, rising construction costs and limited financial resources have made home ownership increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens.
According to official figures, billions of rupees in loans have already been disbursed under the Apna Ghar Programme, while thousands of applications have been received from across the country. The government has directed relevant institutions and banks to process eligible applicants’ cases more swiftly and make the loan acquisition process easier.
Under the scheme, priority is being given to first-time homebuyers. Financing may be provided through banks for the purchase of houses and flats, construction on already-owned plots, and building homes after purchasing plots. Various banks are offering housing finance facilities under the programme for a period of up to 20 years, subject to specific terms and conditions.
Experts believe that the funds allocated for the Apna Ghar Programme will not only help low-income groups access housing facilities, but could also boost activity in the construction sector, labour market, cement, steel, tiles, paint, wood, electrical equipment and other allied industries. The construction sector is considered a key source of employment in Pakistan’s economy, and an increase in housing finance could support broader economic activity.
The government says the core objective of the Apna Ghar Programme is to make the dream of home ownership possible for citizens, expand housing facilities and link the housing sector with the formal financial system to promote sustainable economic growth.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
The federal government has announced tax relief and a series of incentives for overseas Pakistanis in the Budget 2026-27, aimed at reducing transaction costs, encouraging investment and strengthening financial linkages with the domestic economy.
The Rs 18.77 trillion federal budget, presented by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on June 12, focuses on fiscal stability, IMF-backed reforms, economic discipline and investment-led growth as key policy priorities.
Under the new measures, taxes on international travel have been reduced, providing relief to frequent travellers and overseas Pakistanis. The government has also lowered the withholding tax on international transactions made through bank credit and debit cards from 5 percent to 0.5 percent, significantly reducing the cost of cross-border financial activities.
The real estate sector, considered a key investment avenue for overseas Pakistanis, has also been given relief through reduced advance and withholding tax rates on property transactions. Withholding tax on property purchases has been reduced from 2.5 percent to 1.25 percent, while tax on property sales has been cut from 5.5 percent to 2.75 percent.
According to officials, these measures are aimed at lowering the cost of property transactions, improving documentation and boosting activity in the property market.
The budget has also abolished the Capital Value Tax on foreign assets. The government says the move will help improve the investment climate and further increase the financial participation of overseas Pakistanis in the national economy.

Mumbai | ReNews International News Desk
Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance group has won a bid to redevelop a 101.4 acre slum in western Mumbai, marking its entry into a sector where rival ​Adani Group is already redeveloping one of Asia's biggest slums, Dharavi.
A consortium led by ‌Reliance 4IR Realty Private Ltd won the bid for the Juhu Galli slum cluster in Andheri, the Mumbai-based Slum Rehabilitation Authority said late on Wednesday. The project is expected to deliver more than 28,000 ​rehabilitation homes for eligible people currently living in Juhu Galli, it said.
Slum ⁠redevelopment in Mumbai has historically been handled by mid sized developers under the Slum Rehabilitation ​Authority, with projects often delayed by fragmented landholdings and the need to secure consent from ​residents.
However, policy changes by Maharashtra state, which is governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bhartiya Janata Party, party in the past few years have attracted large conglomerates to the sector.
The state announced a ​new slum cluster redevelopment framework in November 2025, which offers developers large contiguous land of ​at least 50 acres that does not require the consent of residents of the settlements to redevelop.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA ) has taken a major decision to curb property fraud and illegal transactions. From July 1, 2026, the sale and purchase of property will be made fully digital.
In all housing schemes falling within the jurisdiction of the LDA, property transactions will now be possible only through the property certificate issued by the Punjab Land Records Authority. Without this certificate, no sale or purchase will be legally recognized.
According to the notification, legal action under the LDA Act 1975 will be taken from July 1, 2026, against any transaction carried out without a property certificate.
LDA officials said citizens will be able to obtain property certificates from the Punjab Land Records Authority to legally secure their plots and properties. The certificate will also carry a QR code, allowing all details related to the property to be accessed with a single click.
Under the decision, the sale and purchase of files within LDA limits will be completely abolished. All private housing schemes will be required to transfer their records to the Punjab Land Records Authority’s Housing Societies Management System by June 30.
The LDA director general said private housing schemes will be able to issue green certificates and registrations themselves through the digital portal, while their system is being integrated in line with the powers of the sub-registrar.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Following the Federal Budget 2026-27, Pakistan’s real estate sector has once again come into the spotlight. Property dealers, builders and investors are closely watching the government’s proposed tax reforms, measures aimed at easing property transactions and possible incentives for the construction sector.
Recent economic policies and efforts to broaden the tax net have also had an impact on the property market.
According to market circles, if certain taxes imposed on property sale and purchase are reduced, investment activity may pick up in major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. Some builders say the construction industry is already under pressure due to rising costs and weak demand, and any proposed facilitation under government policy could provide much-needed relief to the market.
On the other hand, the issue has triggered a mixed response on social media. In real estate groups on Facebook and YouTube, several users described the budget proposals as positive. However, a large number of users questioned whether these announcements would actually be implemented or remain limited to policy statements.
Users have also expressed concern over NOC-related issues, delays in projects, low liquidity in the market and increasing tax monitoring measures. Experts say the current environment can be described as “cautious optimism,” where investors are waiting for the practical implementation of government policies before making final decisions.

Colombo | ReNews International Desk News
A mother has emerged victorious in a 30 year legal battle against her son over a residential property after the Supreme Court dismissed the son's appeal, ruling that the property had been transferred to him solely to facilitate a bank loan, not with the intention of transferring its beneficial ownership.
Accordingly, the Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal filed by the son challenging lower court rulings that declared he was holding a residential property in trust for his mother, reaffirming important legal principles governing constructive trusts under Section 83 of the Trusts Ordinance.
A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, Justice Janak De Silva and Justice Arjuna Obeyesekere unanimously upheld the judgements of the District Court of Mount Lavinia and the Civil Appellate High Court, which had ruled in favour of the mother.
The dispute was based on a property in Mirihana that the mother transferred to her son, Thilakasiri, by deed in October 1987. Although the deed appeared to be an outright transfer, the mother maintained that the transaction was undertaken solely to enable her son to obtain a bank loan using the property as security so that she could finance an extension to the family home.
In her evidence, it was revealed that the mother never intended to transfer the beneficial ownership of the property and expected her son to recover it once the bank loan had been settled. She subsequently instituted legal action in 1997, seeking a declaration that her son held the property in trust for her and an order compelling its transfer back to her.
The son, however, contended that he had genuinely purchased the property for Rs. 125,000 and denied that the transfer was merely a financing arrangement.
In a detailed judgement authored by Justice Obeyesekere, the Supreme Court examined the legal framework governing constructive trusts and the concept of “attendant circumstances” under Section 83 of the Trusts Ordinance.
The Court observed that while the Prevention of Frauds Ordinance and the Evidence Ordinance generally prohibit oral evidence from contradicting the terms of a written deed, Section 83 permits courts to consider surrounding circumstances to determine whether a transferor truly intended to part with the beneficial interest in a property.