Lahore: [Riaz Hussain ReNews]
Director General LDA, Tahir Farooq, visited the ongoing development projects at the Data Darbar expansion scheme, Bhatti Chowk Underpass, and surrounding areas of the Railway Station, reviewing the progress in detail.
During the visit, Chief Engineer TEPA Iqrar Hussain and Chief Engineer LDA Asrar Saeed briefed him that work on the pedestrian zone of the Data Darbar expansion project is nearing completion, while finishing work on the pedestrian underpass is continuing round the clock. Simultaneously, work on the parking area and the courtyard (piazza) of the shrine is also in progress.
The DG LDA also inspected the Bhatti Chowk Underpass project, where he was informed that overall 37% of the work has been completed, while 85% of the piling work has been achieved. On this occasion, he directed the contractor to expedite the pace of development work to ensure timely completion.
Later, he reviewed the ongoing development activities around the Railway Station. The briefing highlighted that development of the parking area in front of the station is in its final stages, with installation of solar lights and work on seating areas underway. Additionally, teams are actively working on façade upgradation along Circular Road and in the surrounding areas of the Railway Station.
DG LDA Tahir Farooq directed that progress on both projects should be regularly monitored and all work must be completed within the stipulated timeframe.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has decided to launch a large scale community development initiative aimed at providing affordable housing to low income families. In this regard, a key meeting on the Affordable Housing Program was held under the chairmanship of Provincial Minister for Housing, Bilal Yaseen. During the meeting, Project Director of the Punjab Affordable Housing Program, Muhammad Abdullah, gave a detailed briefing on the proposed plan. It was informed that a comprehensive strategy has been finalized to initiate the project in the first phase in Faisalabad and Khanewal. Provincial Minister Bilal Yaseen stated that construction of more than 1,600 housing units will commence this year under the program. These houses will be offered to low-income families on easy and affordable installment plans. The project will also include essential facilities such as schools, mosques, basic infrastructure, and other amenities to ensure a complete and sustainable community environment. It was further shared that over 215 kanal of government land in Faisalabad and Khanewal has been allocated for the construction of these housing units, while government subsidies will also be provided to facilitate deserving beneficiaries. Bilal Yaseen added that under the “Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar” initiative, nearly 2,000 families have already been provided with free plots. Efforts are being accelerated to complete ongoing projects before the next fiscal year. According to officials, the initiative is being seen as a significant step towards ensuring affordable housing for low-income segments and improving their overall standard of living.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (CBD Punjab) is preparing to expand its central business district (CBD) model to major urban centres including Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Multan, following strong investor interest in its flagship project in Lahore.
Talking with media, CBD Punjab Chief Executive Officer Imran Amin said the authority has initiated feasibility studies and strategic planning to extend the CBD model to other key cities. The broader expansion plan also includes Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Bahawalpur.
The initiative aims to centralise economic activity, establish modern commercial hubs, and attract both domestic and international investment. It is also designed to promote balanced and sustainable urban growth across the province by creating new economic centres beyond Lahore.
Amin highlighted that the Lahore CBD project has already moved into an active development phase, with key components such as Route 47, CBD Walk, and CBD Arena progressing steadily. He noted that the project marks a shift from planning to execution, supported by international master planners and strong private sector collaboration.
According to CBD Punjab, the creation of a network of CBDs could significantly enhance the province’s economic landscape by generating business opportunities, improving infrastructure, and increasing overall investment appeal.
However, urban planning experts caution that the success of these districts will depend on aligning them with each city’s economic strengths. Dr. Nasir Javed, former CEO of the Punjab Urban Unit, stated that CBDs can drive productivity and economic growth if they are tailored to local industries and value chains. He pointed to examples such as textile related services in Faisalabad, back office and technology services in Rawalpindi, and logistics and agri processing in Multan.
He further emphasised that while CBDs have historically contributed to urban development in countries like the United States, their effectiveness depends on more than just physical infrastructure. Strong institutions, efficient transport systems, regulatory clarity, and a skilled workforce are equally essential.
Javed added that Pakistan should not merely replicate the physical design of international CBDs but should also adopt their functional principles, including mixed use development, transit oriented planning, and integration with competitive economic sectors.
The expansion plan remains in its early stages, with detailed feasibility assessments expected to determine timelines, investment frameworks, and city specific development strategies.