Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Nishat Group has strongly rejected reports circulating on social media regarding any change in ownership structure or possible redevelopment plans linked to Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited, describing the claims as speculative, unverified and entirely unfounded.
In a public clarification, prominent businessman Mian Mohammad Mansha said the group had taken notice of information being shared online about Nishat Group and Rafhan Maize. He stated that no proposal related to ownership changes, restructuring, or redevelopment of Rafhan Maize property had been approved, nor was any such proposal currently under consideration.
Mian Mansha urged the public, investors and media outlets to avoid sharing unverified information, stressing that speculative reports can create unnecessary confusion in the market and among stakeholders.
The clarification comes after the Competition Commission of Pakistan recently approved the acquisition of shareholding in Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited by a consortium of acquirers comprising Nishat Group entities and associated individuals.
According to the earlier approval, the transaction involves the acquisition of shares in Rafhan Maize from Ingredion Incorporated, the majority seller, along with other individual shareholders. The deal was cleared after a Phase I review under Section 11 of the Competition Act, 2010.
The acquiring entities include Nishat Hotels and Properties Limited, D.G. Khan Cement Company Limited, Nishat Mills Limited, Lalpir Power Limited, Pakgen Power Limited, Nishat Power Limited, Nishat Chunian Power Limited and associated individuals.
Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited is one of Pakistan’s leading industrial food ingredients and corn refining companies. The company has long held an important position in the country’s manufacturing and food supply chain.
The Nishat Group’s clarification appears aimed at addressing speculation that emerged after the share acquisition approval, particularly claims suggesting that the deal could lead to a change in the company’s future operational direction or the redevelopment of its assets.
The group maintained that any public discussion about such matters must be based on verified information and official statements rather than social media speculation.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has started preparing major changes to housing rules to promote low cost residential projects in the province. The proposed amendments are aimed at encouraging the private sector to construct affordable homes, increase investment in the housing sector and improve residential opportunities for ordinary citizens.
According to sources, the Punjab government has prepared a proposal to amend the “Affordable Private Housing Schemes Rules”. Under the proposed changes, private and cooperative housing schemes may be required to allocate at least 20 percent of their residential area for low-cost housing.
As per the proposed policy, this allocated portion in any private or cooperative housing scheme will be considered an “Affordable Housing Scheme”. Officials said housing schemes that allocate more than 20 percent of their area for low-cost residential projects will be given special incentives.
The policy proposals suggest that schemes allocating a larger share for low-cost housing may receive 20 to 80 percent concessions in various government fees. These concessions may include approval fees related to maps, water supply, sewerage, roads and bridges.
Sources said a reduction has also been recommended in the ratio of land mortgaged for the completion of development works. The purpose of this step is to reduce financial pressure on developers and ensure timely completion of housing projects.
The proposed amendments also include recommendations to simplify and speed up the approval process for housing schemes. A proposal is under consideration to reduce the approval period for different stages from 90 days to 60 days, so investors and developers do not face unnecessary delays.
Officials said the new housing policy will be made part of the upcoming budget. Through this policy, the private sector will be provided effective incentives to invest in low-cost housing projects.
Experts believe that if the proposed amendments are implemented effectively, the supply of affordable homes in Punjab may increase, while investment and construction activity in the housing sector could also gain momentum.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
An important stakeholders’ consultative meeting on Lahore Master Plan 2050 was held under the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), where various key aspects, including the city’s future planning, environmental protection, civic facilities, infrastructure needs and possible population growth, were reviewed in detail.
The meeting was attended by LDA Director General Tahir Farooq, RUDA CEO Imran Amin, WWF Director General Hammad Khan Naqi, Nadia Qureshi from SUS Urban Unit, LDA Chief Metropolitan Planning Faisal Masood Qureshi, experts from the Urban Unit and WWF nominated by the Lahore High Court, Lahore Bachao Tehreek expert architect Kamil Khan Mumtaz, members of the Lahore Master Plan Review Committee and other relevant officials.
During the meeting, consultant firm Dar Al Handasah, which is working on the master plan, gave a detailed briefing on the current working of Lahore Master Plan 2050.
The briefing stated that the master plan is being prepared while keeping in view the possible future increase in population, unplanned urban expansion, housing needs, civic facilities, public transportation, travel requirements and pedestrian facilities.
According to officials, Lahore Master Plan 2050 is also giving special importance to the city’s culture, parks, green belts, water resources and environmental protection, so that Lahore’s future development can move forward on more organized, sustainable and environment-friendly lines.
The meeting was informed that, in light of Lahore High Court’s directions, Lahore Master Plan 2050 is being reviewed in consultation with all stakeholders. In this regard, WWF and the Urban Unit are also reviewing the technical aspects of the master plan. Environmental pollution, smog, unplanned industrial expansion, and social and economic challenges are being given special consideration in the planning process.
The briefing further stated that key matters such as high-rise buildings, construction of commercial and residential high-rise properties, future infrastructure needs, wastewater disposal and water treatment plants have also been included in the master plan. Special attention is being paid at both government and private levels to water usage, drainage and treatment systems.
The meeting was told that consultations and proposals from both the private and public sectors have been included in the preparation of Lahore Master Plan 2050, so that the plan remains aligned with the city’s ground realities, urban pressure, environmental risks and future development needs.
During the consultative meeting, all stakeholders presented their suggestions regarding Lahore Master Plan 2050. Participants said the master plan could prove to be an important document for Lahore’s future by ensuring civic and rural facilities, environmental protection, improved transport systems and balanced urban development.
WWF Director Climate Nazifa Butt and WWF GIS Manager Usman Akram also attended the meeting along with other experts.