Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The issuance of property tax challans has resumed across Punjab after being temporarily suspended at the beginning of the new fiscal year. The process of issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) in Lahore and other parts of the province has also restarted following the updating of DC rates.
According to excise officials, property tax challans could not be issued at the start of the new fiscal year because the DC rates had not been updated. The delay also affected the issuance of NOCs. With the required procedures now completed, the distribution of tax challans has resumed.
Officials said more than 100,000 property tax challans were issued across Punjab in a single day. The Director General of Excise has directed the department to ensure that at least 70 percent of the challans are delivered to citizens by August 15 to speed up the tax collection process.
According to the Excise Department, citizens are entitled to a 5 percent discount for paying their property tax within the two-month concession period. However, administrative delays at the beginning of the fiscal year resulted in the loss of nearly one month, increasing pressure on the department to achieve its annual revenue target of Rs 42 billion.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has approved the construction of 800 new mini dams in the rain fed Potohar region over the next three years as part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen water security, improve groundwater management and support sustainable agricultural development across the province.
The decision was taken during a high level meeting on agricultural transformation and water resource management chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The meeting reviewed ongoing conservation projects and approved a series of new initiatives aimed at addressing growing water challenges and improving the efficient use of natural resources.
Under the new programme, the 800 mini dams will provide a combined water storage capacity of 32,000 acre feet, helping capture and preserve rainwater for agricultural use, groundwater recharge and climate resilience. Officials informed the meeting that 110 mini dams have already been completed, with photographic evidence presented to demonstrate the progress achieved so far.
The chief minister was also briefed on newly completed mini dams in Attock, Talagang, Gujar Khan and Rawalpindi. She directed the relevant departments to accelerate the development of modern and secure surface water reservoirs for rainwater harvesting and called for a comprehensive long term implementation plan.
Highlighting the importance of water conservation, Maryam Nawaz said that nations prosper by protecting every drop of water and emphasised that sustainable water management must remain a top development priority for Punjab.
The meeting also approved measures to strengthen the legal framework governing groundwater management. Specialised staff will be appointed to improve monitoring, regulation and conservation efforts, while the agriculture, irrigation, housing and local government departments have been directed to jointly formulate and implement an integrated provincial water conservation strategy.
To improve irrigation efficiency and reduce water wastage in agriculture, the provincial government will provide 1,000 new laser land levelers to farmers at a 50 percent subsidy during the current fiscal year. The technology is expected to improve water distribution, increase crop yields and lower production costs.
Officials further informed the meeting that the lining of 2,600 watercourses covering approximately 7,000 kilometres has already been completed across Punjab, resulting in an estimated 20 percent reduction in water losses. Over the next three years, another 4,500 watercourses spanning around 11,500 kilometres will be upgraded and lined to further enhance irrigation efficiency.
The chief minister was also informed that 100 groundwater recharge wells are now operational in the Lahore, Gujranwala and Gujrat divisions, while construction of another 300 recharge wells is nearing completion. These projects are expected to improve groundwater replenishment, particularly during the monsoon season.
The meeting also reviewed fertilizer availability and agricultural input requirements across the province. Maryam Nawaz directed all concerned departments to ensure the timely completion of water conservation and agricultural development projects, stressing that efficient water management is essential for strengthening food security, supporting farmers and building long term resilience against climate change.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
On the directions of Lahore Development Authority Director General Tahir Farooq, the LDA Town Planning Wing launched a major operation against illegal commercial use and non payment of commercial fees, sealing 105 properties across different parts of the city.
LDA teams carried out enforcement actions in Gulberg, Faisal Town, Gulshan Ravi, Canal Road, Poonch Road, Mustafa Town and Azam Garden.
According to officials, 31 properties were sealed in Gulberg and Faisal Town for unauthorized commercial use, while 53 properties were sealed along Gulshan Ravi, Canal Road and Poonch Road for illegal commercial activity and failure to pay commercial charges.
During a separate recovery operation, another 21 properties were sealed in Mustafa Town and Azam Garden.
The sealed properties included private schools, bakeries, beauty salons, hardware and marble stores, building material outlets, cafés, restaurants, food points, pharmacies, grocery and electrical stores, real estate offices, clinics, auto workshops, shops and offices.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Chief Town Planner One Asad uz Zaman.
LDA Director General Tahir Farooq said indiscriminate action against unauthorized commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters would continue.