LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] On the directives of Lahore Development Authority Director General Tahir Farooq, the LDA Town Planning Wing launched a citywide enforcement operation against illegal commercial use and non payment of commercial fees, sealing a total of 200 properties. According to the LDA, enforcement teams carried out operations in Gulberg, Faisal Town, Lahore Avenue, Wapda Town, Iqbal Avenue, various private housing schemes, Samanabad, Canal Road, Gulshan Ravi, Mustafa Town and Azam Garden, targeting properties found to be involved in unauthorized commercial activities. An LDA spokesperson said that 30 properties were sealed in Gulberg and Faisal Town for illegal commercial use, while another 49 properties were sealed in Samanabad, Canal Road and Gulshan Ravi on similar violations. In Lahore Avenue, Wapda Town, Iqbal Avenue and various private housing schemes, 105 properties were sealed for illegal commercial use and failure to pay commercial fees. During a separate recovery operation, enforcement teams also sealed 16 additional properties in Mustafa Town and Azam Garden. The sealed properties included private schools, colleges, academies, clinics, pharmacies, grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, food outlets, bakeries, electrical and hardware stores, beauty salons, auto workshops, retail shops, offices and other commercial establishments. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Chief Town Planner One Asad uz Zaman and Chief Town Planner Two Azhar Ali, with multiple enforcement teams carrying out simultaneous actions across different parts of the city. Director General LDA Tahir Farooq said the authority would continue indiscriminate action against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters, reaffirming the LDA's commitment to strict enforcement of urban planning regulations across Lahore.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Pakistan Cricket Board has signed a strategic agreement with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation to develop a new modern cricket stadium in Jeddah. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud. The agreement is being described as the first formal strategic partnership of its kind between the two cricket boards. Under the agreement, Pakistan will support the development of a modern cricket stadium in Jeddah with facilities designed to meet international standards. The project will include international standard playing surfaces, broadcast and media infrastructure, hospitality areas, training facilities and spectator services. According to the PCB, the venue will be developed in line with ICC requirements, allowing Saudi Arabia to host international matches and major cricket events in the future. The agreement goes beyond the construction of a single venue. Both boards will also work together on wider cricket infrastructure development, stadium planning, technical support and operational standards as Saudi Arabia seeks to build a stronger long term base for the sport. The initiative is also aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to increase investment in sports, promote sports tourism, encourage public participation and improve quality of life. Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud welcomed the agreement and said the collaboration would extend beyond the stadium itself. He said the partnership would help lay the foundation for the long term growth of cricket in Saudi Arabia.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has formally notified the Punjab Public Utilities Infrastructure Protection Act 2026, bringing the new law into immediate effect across the province. The law has been introduced to prevent theft, illegal transfer, damage, misuse, sale and purchase of public utility infrastructure. It also aims to establish an effective enforcement mechanism and impose strict penalties on those involved in violations. Under the law, public utility infrastructure includes manhole covers, street lights, safety fences and all other items or installations that the Punjab government may include in this category through the official gazette. The law also defines several key terms, including theft, unauthorized transfer, scrap dealer, re rolling and whistle blower. According to the law, a whistle blower may report an offence in the public interest and may also be entitled to a reward under the prescribed rules. The measure is intended to encourage public participation in protecting civic infrastructure and ensuring timely reporting of offences. Theft of public utility infrastructure will be punishable with imprisonment from one to three years, a fine ranging from Rs 200000 to Rs 3 million, or both. Illegal transfer, possession, transportation, sale or purchase of public installations has also been declared an offence, carrying imprisonment from one to three years and a fine ranging from Rs 500000 to Rs 3 million, or both. The law further states that intentional damage to public utility installations will be punishable with imprisonment from six months to one year and a fine ranging from Rs 50000 to Rs 200000. Officials say the enforcement of the new law will help protect civic facilities, government assets and public utility systems, while also enabling stronger action against the sale and purchase of stolen public material in scrap markets.