Lahore Division

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore High Court has sought a detailed response from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on a petition challenging the implementation of the electricity slab system and reported changes to existing facilities for lifeline consumers.
Justice Khalid Ishaq heard the petition filed by citizen Ashba Kamran, in which NEPRA and other relevant authorities have been made respondents.
The petitioner contended that, according to media reports, the government is considering abolishing the lifeline electricity slab, a move that could place an additional financial burden on low-consumption consumers.
She argued that the existing slab-based billing system is causing serious difficulties for electricity consumers. According to the petition, consumers using up to 200 units are placed in the protected category; however, even a marginal increase in consumption can result in a substantial rise in their electricity bills under the slab system.
The petitioner further claimed that, in some cases, electricity bills can increase to more than double the previous amount, while the impact of the additional billing continues for several months. She termed the mechanism a financial penalty on consumers and urged the court to examine its legality.
The petition maintains that the existing implementation of the electricity slab system is inconsistent with the Constitution and applicable laws, and calls for a determination of its legal validity.
The petitioner also requested that public-interest cases be scheduled for hearing on a priority basis after urgent matters, arguing that timely judicial intervention is necessary to address issues confronting electricity consumers.
After the preliminary hearing, the Lahore High Court directed NEPRA to submit a detailed response. The regulator is expected to clarify its legal and administrative position on the slab based billing mechanism, the lifeline consumer category and the impact of the system on electricity bills at the next stage of proceedings.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Authorities have decided to further tighten enforcement of environmental regulations governing construction projects to curb air pollution and rising levels of dust in urban areas, directing developers, construction firms and contractors to strictly comply with prescribed dust-pollution control standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken notice of the spread of dust and soil from construction activities in Lahore and issued notices to the Lahore Development Authority (LDA). Environmental officials made it clear that all construction projects must ensure strict compliance with prescribed environmental requirements aimed at controlling dust and particulate pollution.
According to officials, dust, soil and construction debris spilling from construction sites onto roads, residential areas and surrounding locations contribute to deteriorating air quality. Effective dust-control measures are therefore being made mandatory at construction sites.
Under the new measures, construction sites will be required to install mist sprinkler systems to suppress airborne dust particles through fine water sprays. Contractors will also have to install barriers or screens at least 10 feet high around construction sites to prevent dust and soil from spreading into nearby areas.
Environmental authorities have also issued strict instructions regarding vehicles transporting soil and construction debris. Such vehicles will be required to operate at reduced speeds and take effective precautionary measures to prevent construction material from spilling onto roads and surrounding areas.
Officials warned that construction projects and contractors found violating prescribed dust-control regulations will face enforcement action, including fines.
Experts say dust generated by construction activity is a significant contributor to urban air pollution, particularly in major cities where road works, housing developments, commercial buildings and infrastructure projects are expanding rapidly. The absence of effective dust-control systems at such sites can further worsen air quality.
Authorities said stricter enforcement of environmental regulations is aimed not at restricting development activity but at reducing air pollution, dust levels and potential health risks in urban communities. The construction sector has been urged to ensure that development projects proceed alongside full compliance with environmental responsibilities.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The elected management body of the DHA Estate Agents Association Lahore held an important meeting on September 8, 2026, to review preparations for the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), including its schedule, as well as key administrative and constitutional matters concerning the association.
The meeting reviewed arrangements for the forthcoming AGM and discussed various administrative issues, with necessary matters taken forward for finalisation. Members of the management body also deliberated on the association’s future, administrative affairs and measures aimed at strengthening its representation of the real estate community.
A major focus of the meeting was the proposed amendments to the constitution of the DHA Estate Agents Association. The participants held detailed legal and constitutional consultations and expressed unanimous agreement on the amendments, maintaining that the changes were aimed at serving the broader interests of the community, strengthening the association’s representation and improving its institutional framework for the future.
Information Director Chaudhry Touqeer Asif said the management body would fulfil its constitutional and legal responsibilities regarding the amendments and would defend them at every appropriate forum whenever necessary. He added that the community would be kept informed of all important developments in a timely, clear and transparent manner.
Meanwhile, the association reminded all members that September 30, 2026, is the deadline for payment of DHA and Association fees. Under the new constitution, payment of both fees is mandatory for members to retain their right to vote.
The association urged members not to wait until the deadline and to clear their DHA and Association dues before September 30 to ensure that their voting rights remain intact.
According to the management body, timely payment of the fees is not merely a financial obligation but is directly linked to members’ right to vote, effective representation and their role in shaping the future of the association.
Chaudhry Touqeer Asif urged all members to fulfil their responsibility and ensure payment of both fees before the deadline, stressing that active community participation, voting and a collective voice are fundamental to building a strong and representative association.