Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
Director General Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Tahir Farooq visited various development projects underway in the city and reviewed progress on the Data Darbar expansion project, Bhati Chowk Underpass, the parking area in front of the Railway Station and beautification work from Railway Station to Circular Road.
During the visit to the Data Darbar expansion project, Secretary Auqaf Ehsan Bhutta also accompanied the LDA DG. Chief Engineer LDA Israr Saeed and Chief Engineer TEPA Iqrar Hussain briefed the officials in detail on the ongoing work. Officials informed that work on all components of the Data Darbar expansion project is progressing simultaneously, while 73 percent of the project has been completed overall.
Secretary Auqaf Ehsan Bhutta also reviewed the finishing work of the parking area and pedestrian underpass. LDA DG Tahir Farooq was briefed on the progress of development work, construction quality and upcoming phases of the project. The LDA DG said the completion of the project would provide major relief to devotees visiting Data Darbar, citizens and residents of adjoining areas, while also improving traffic flow and civic facilities in the locality.
The LDA DG also inspected construction work underway on the Bhati Chowk Underpass. During the briefing, officials said work on the underpass was continuing round the clock without interruption. The LDA DG directed that progress reports for both shifts of the project should be monitored regularly so that the work could be completed according to the required standards and pace.
He said the construction of the Bhati Chowk Underpass would benefit hundreds of thousands of vehicles daily and significantly reduce traffic pressure in the city’s important entry points and historic areas.

Lahore : [ReNews Pakistan]
The Lahore Development Authority has sealed 128 properties in a major operation against illegal commercial use, non-payment of commercialisation fees and violations of building regulations in different parts of the city.
On the directions of LDA Director General Tahir Farooq, the LDA Town Planning Wing launched an operation against illegal commercial buildings and fee defaulters in areas falling under the authority’s control. The operations were carried out in Gulberg, New Garden Town, Johar Town, Gulshan Ravi, GT Road, Sabzazar and several other localities.
According to LDA officials, 39 properties were sealed in Gulshan Ravi and along GT Road during action against illegal commercial use. Similarly, 24 properties were sealed in Gulberg and New Garden Town Scheme over illegal commercial activity and non-payment of commercial fees.
In Johar Town, LDA teams sealed 35 illegal commercial shops, while 30 properties were sealed in Sabzazar during a recovery operation. Officials said the actions were aimed at ensuring enforcement of building laws, recovery of government dues and curbing illegal commercial activities in residential areas.
The sealed properties include private schools, restaurants, food points, beauty salons, clinics, grocery stores, bakeries, pharmacies, auto workshops, shops, offices and other business centres. According to the LDA, several of these properties had already been issued notices, but enforcement action was taken after continued violations and failure to clear outstanding dues.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Chief Town Planner One Asaduz Zaman and Chief Town Planner Two Azhar Ali, while relevant directorates and field teams conducted simultaneous actions in different areas.
LDA Director General Tahir Farooq said operations against illegal commercial buildings, commercial fee defaulters and those violating building laws would continue without discrimination. He said ensuring compliance with urban development regulations is a core responsibility of the LDA and no relaxation would be given in this regard.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
More than 150,000 homeless families across Punjab have been issued interest free loans under the Punjab government’s “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” programme, helping thousands of families move closer to realizing their dream of owning a home.
During a briefing given to Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin on the progress of the programme, officials said that interest free loans have so far been provided to more than 156,000 families for the construction of houses. According to officials, the total value of loans issued under the programme has exceeded Rs 208 billion.
The briefing reviewed in detail the distribution of loans, houses under construction, completed units and pending applications. Officials said 32,412 houses are currently under construction at different stages across various districts of the province, while loan amounts will soon be released to another 7,792 families.
Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin directed the relevant authorities to further expand the scope of the programme in both urban and rural areas so that the maximum number of deserving families can benefit from the facility. He said the Punjab government would fulfill its commitment to provide interest free loans to another 100,000 families in the new financial year.
Bilal Yasin said the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” programme is an important welfare initiative for ordinary citizens, enabling tenant families to become homeowners. He added that thousands of families have already laid the foundation for a better and more secure future through the programme.
The housing minister said the Punjab government would continue taking practical steps to provide affordable, safe and dignified housing to the people. He said the government’s priority is to extend financial assistance on easy terms to homeless and low income families so they can fulfill their dream of building their own homes.