Lahore Division

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has announced a major initiative to provide free agricultural land to eligible landless farmers under its rural development and agricultural empowerment program. The scheme is designed to improve land ownership access, promote agricultural productivity, and support long-term rural economic stability.
Under the program, qualifying farmers will be allotted between 3 and 5 acres of cultivable state-owned land to enable them to establish independent farming operations and secure sustainable sources of income. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance agricultural output and ensure more effective utilization of public land resources.
Officials stated that the scheme is intended to empower small and landless farmers by providing direct access to agricultural land, which remains a critical asset for economic security and rural development. By facilitating land ownership, the program is expected to strengthen farming capacity, reduce rural poverty, and encourage productive land use.
Agricultural and land policy observers noted that improved access to land plays a key role in supporting agricultural sustainability, strengthening rural communities, and enhancing the long-term value and productivity of agricultural property assets across Punjab.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Authorities have imposed Section 144 across Punjab, enforcing a 30-day ban on outdoor drone operations in response to security concerns. The measure aims to strengthen security arrangements and protect public spaces, residential areas, and sensitive locations.
According to the official notification, the use of drones in open and outdoor locations is strictly prohibited, and violations may result in legal action. The restriction has been implemented as part of precautionary measures to ensure public safety and maintain law and order. However, limited use of small camera drones has been permitted for indoor events held in halls and marquees. In such cases, the responsibility for drone operations and compliance with safety regulations will rest with the hall or marquee management.
Officials stated that the decision is intended to regulate aerial activities, prevent unauthorized surveillance, and support overall security management across urban and residential areas of the province.

Lahore: Husnain Aulakh, Special Correspondent | ReNews Pakistan
A high level meeting was held at the Punjab Housing Department to review the progress of ongoing projects of the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA). The meeting was chaired by Secretary Housing Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, who directed officials to further expedite work on the 46 kilometer long river training project.
During the briefing, CEO RUDA Imran Amin provided a detailed update on development activities. He informed participants that work on the embankment from Siphon to Jhok Forest is underway and will be completed in three phases. He added that the M2 embankment is expected to be completed by mid year. Imran Amin further stated that work at the Mahmood Booti dumping site is nearing completion, while development of various residential and commercial areas is progressing at pace.
Addressing the meeting, Secretary Housing Noor ul Amin Mengal directed that all administrative, legal, and construction related hurdles be resolved on a priority basis. He emphasized the importance of promoting environmental sustainability through green infrastructure initiatives in Ravi City.
He also stressed the need to expedite settlement in adjoining areas of Ravi City and ensure timely implementation of the project’s green core and environmental measures. The Secretary Housing stated that RUDA would emerge as a state of the art residential, commercial and industrial hub, offering modern urban facilities in line with the vision of the Chief Minister of Punjab.