LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Lahore Development Authority has presented an ambitious vision for vertical development and sustainable urban planning under the proposed Master Plan 2050, aimed at addressing rapid population growth and changing residential needs across the Lahore Division. The strategy was shared during a public hearing attended by government officials, urban planners, developers, environmental experts and community representatives. The consultation focused on shaping the urban and economic development roadmap of the division through 2050. According to the LDA, the master plan encourages high rise residential and commercial development while integrating key areas including the Central Business District, Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Authority project, Cantonment areas and DHA into a unified planning framework. Prepared with the support of international consultancy Dar Al Handasah, the plan covers Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur and Nankana Sahib districts. It addresses future population growth, urban expansion, public transport, pedestrian infrastructure, green spaces, water resources and environmental issues including smog and industrial sprawl. LDA Chief Metropolitan Planner Faisal Masood Qureshi briefed participants on the objectives of the plan. Stakeholders including representatives of the Association of Builders and Developers, urban planning experts and environmental reviewers also shared recommendations on zoning, infrastructure and sustainable development. The LDA said feedback received during the consultation will be incorporated into Master Plan 2050. Similar public hearings will also be held in Sheikhupura, Kasur and Nankana Sahib as part of the wider consultation process.

Lahore | ReNews International Desk News Although air conditioning has become common in many parts of the world, its use remains relatively limited across Europe. Reports suggest that only around 20 percent of Europeans have access to air conditioning, mainly due to legal, economic, cultural and structural reasons. One major factor is the presence of historic buildings and strict heritage protection rules in several European cities. In countries such as France, regulations often restrict changes to the exterior of historic properties, including the installation of external AC units, in order to preserve the original character and architectural value of buildings. Rental laws and housing costs are another important reason. In countries such as Germany and Austria, a large share of the population lives in rented homes. Tenants often need permission from landlords before drilling walls or installing AC units. As a result, many renters avoid making major investments in properties they do not own. High electricity prices also play a significant role. Compared with regions such as North America, electricity costs in many European countries are considerably higher, making air conditioning expensive to run and often viewed as a luxury rather than a routine household facility. Cultural habits have also shaped Europe’s limited use of AC. Many Europeans still prefer traditional cooling methods, such as using heavy shutters, keeping curtains closed during the day, opening windows at night and relying on natural ventilation. Experts say that because air conditioning was not historically seen as a necessity in much of Europe, there is also a shortage of trained AC installers. In some areas, installation can cost thousands of euros and may require bookings months in advance.

Lahore | Renews Pakistan The Punjab government has enforced a new comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the protection, restoration and management of historic heritage across the province. The government has implemented the Walled City of Lahore Authority Amendment Act 2026, under which the jurisdiction of the Walled City of Lahore Authority has been expanded beyond Lahore to the entire province of Punjab. Following the new law, all historic walled cities, heritage areas, ancient buildings and historic properties across Punjab will come under one legal system and a strengthened authority. The move is aimed at protecting heritage sites from illegal construction, encroachments, unregulated repairs, commercial pressure and activities that may damage their original cultural identity. Under the amended law, the Lahore Heritage Area Revival Board has also been established, while the Chief Minister of Punjab will serve as the chairperson of the authority. The authority will be empowered to oversee restoration of historic buildings, planning of heritage areas, monitoring of development works and legal action against violations. According to the new framework, violations related to historic heritage may result in fines of up to Rs 2 million. All offences under the law have been declared non bailable. Officials say the new legislation will help establish a stronger and more coordinated system for heritage protection in Punjab and preserve the original identity of the province’s historic cities and cultural landmarks.