Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
On the directives of the Office of the Ombudsman Punjab, 77 kanals of state land, valued at approximately Rs 192.3 million, has been successfully retrieved from illegal occupants.
According to a spokesperson for the Ombudsman Punjab, the land owned by various government departments had been under illegal encroachment for a long time, with unauthorized commercial shops also constructed on the property.
Investigations showed that the concerned departments had made repeated efforts to evict the encroachers; however, effective action was finally taken following the intervention and orders of the Provincial Ombudsman. Prior to the retrieval, proper demarcation of the land was carried out in accordance with legal requirements.
The Ombudsman Punjab has directed authorities to ensure strict measures are implemented to prevent any re-encroachment in the future.
The spokesperson added that this action reflects the Ombudsman Punjab’s impartial and result oriented approach toward eliminating encroachments and protecting state land. Complainants and local residents appreciated the intervention, terming it a timely step that upheld the rule of law.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), in coordination with government enforcement agencies, carried out a major crackdown on two prominent housing developers in Lahore, conducting raids on their offices as part of a joint operation.
According to well placed sources, multiple FBR teams, acting on directives from the Chief Tax Office (CTO) Lahore, raided the offices of Al Noor Orchard and Al Kabir Town. During the operation, five joint teams collected business records and financial documents from previous years for detailed examination.
Officials stated that the action aims to assess tax compliance, verify payment records, and scrutinize financial transactions of the developer groups. The move is being seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen tax enforcement and recover outstanding dues.
The operation, supervised by the CTO Lahore, is considered one of the most significant recent actions against large scale real estate developers in the city.
Al Kabir Town, a major private housing project located on Raiwind Road and developed by Al-Kabir Developers, has previously faced scrutiny. In 2020, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) investigated allegations of fraud and irregular approvals linked to the project. However, the developer has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that all necessary approvals were secured prior to development.
Meanwhile, Al Noor Orchard, developed by Al-Jalil Developers, is promoted as an LDA approved residential scheme on Sharqpur Road and has attracted buyers due to its location and flexible installment plans. Despite its popularity, some investors have raised concerns on social media regarding delays in possession, high development charges, and incomplete approvals for certain project extensions.
Sources indicate that the latest action reflects the authorities’ intent to enforce stricter regulatory oversight and enhance transparency within the real estate sector.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has approved a major legal reform to provide free legal assistance to victims of land grabbing and unlawful property dispossession across the province.
The Punjab Legal Aid (Amendment) Ordinance 2026, presented in the provincial assembly, introduces revisions to the Punjab Legal Aid Act 2018. Under the new provisions, individuals who file complaints under the Protection of Ownership Rights of Immovable Property Act 2025 will now be eligible to receive free legal representation.
The amendment further extends legal support to citizens who have been forcibly evicted or deprived of their property, ensuring access to lawyers during tribunal proceedings. Previously, such assistance was limited mainly to residential property dispute cases.
According to the ordinance, the Punjab Legal Aid Agency will be responsible for providing legal counsel to affected individuals, particularly those facing cases involving powerful land grabbers and organized property mafias.
Officials stated that the initiative is designed to ensure equal access to justice for vulnerable citizens and strengthen enforcement against illegal occupation of land.
The Governor of Punjab approved the ordinance on March 31, 2026. It has now been forwarded to the relevant committee, which will review it and submit its report within two months. After committee approval, the ordinance is expected to be formally enacted into law by the provincial assembly.