LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab Board of Revenue has decided to suspend the issuance of Fard documents for land transactions across most districts of the province from July 1, 2026. According to a notification issued on June 22, Green Property Certificates and Property Reports issued under the Punjab Land Records Authority Management of Land Records Regulations 2025 will become the only valid documents for land record transactions. The decision has been taken under Sections 41 A and 20 of the Punjab Land Revenue Act 1967, read with Rule 36 A of the Punjab Land Revenue Rules 1968. The new system will apply across Punjab except for Sahiwal, Hafizabad and Lodhran. No further Fard documents will be issued for land transactions in the affected districts after the effective date. Officials said the move is aimed at making land records more secure, transparent and easier to verify.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] The Lahore Metropolitan Corporation (LMC) has achieved a historic milestone in revenue generation, collecting a record PKR 8.15 billion through the Transfer of Tax on Immovable Property (TTIP) during the current fiscal year, significantly exceeding its annual target and reflecting robust growth in the city's real estate sector. According to official sources, the municipality had set a TTIP revenue target of approximately PKR 6.6 billion for FY2025–26. However, collections had already reached PKR 8.15 billion by June 1, representing nearly 135 percent of the annual target. Officials described the achievement as one of the strongest performances in the corporation's recent history and a major contributor to the overall improvement in municipal revenues. Authorities said the exceptional increase in property transfer tax collections highlights stronger activity in Lahore's real estate market alongside more efficient revenue collection mechanisms. The higher-than-expected receipts have strengthened the municipality's financial position and are expected to support future urban development and public service initiatives. Revenue generated through building map approval fees also recorded substantial growth during the fiscal year. Against an annual target of PKR 400 million, the Planning Department had collected more than PKR 391.8 million by June 15, with officials expressing confidence that collections would surpass the target before the close of the financial year. Officials noted that annual revenue from map fees had historically remained around PKR 200 million, making this year's performance a significant improvement. The increase has been attributed to higher construction activity, greater compliance with approval procedures, and improved administrative efficiency. In addition to property-related revenues, income generated from Lahore's General Bus Stand also registered notable growth, further contributing to the municipality's overall financial performance during the fiscal year. Municipal officials stated that the record collections reflect stronger revenue management across multiple sectors, with immovable property transfer taxes and building map fees emerging as the primary drivers of revenue growth. They added that the improved financial performance would enhance the corporation's capacity to fund civic infrastructure, urban planning, and public service projects in the coming years.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has completed the long awaited rehabilitation and dualisation of the Multan Vehari Highway, converting one of South Punjab’s most accident-prone roads into a modern transport corridor designed to improve safety, connectivity and regional economic activity. Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced the project's completion through a social media post, stating that the highway was completed in record time under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s provincial road development programme. The project was finalised before the previously announced end-of-June completion target. Stretching approximately 90 kilometres, the upgraded highway passes through the districts of Multan, Khanewal and Vehari, serving as a vital transportation route for thousands of commuters, transporters and businesses every day. The improved road is expected to significantly reduce travel time while enhancing access between major urban centres and surrounding rural communities. For years, the route had gained notoriety among motorists as "Qatil Road" due to its deteriorated condition, frequent traffic accidents and inadequate infrastructure. Travellers routinely faced damaged pavement, deep potholes, heavy dust, traffic congestion and lengthy travel times, making it one of the most hazardous highways in the region. The completed project includes the dualisation and reconstruction of the highway, providing wider carriageways and smoother road surfaces aimed at improving driving conditions and reducing the risk of accidents. Officials believe the upgraded corridor will play an important role in strengthening South Punjab's transport network by facilitating the faster movement of agricultural produce, commercial goods and passenger traffic. Farmers, traders, students and logistics operators are expected to benefit from safer and more efficient travel, supporting both local businesses and regional economic growth. Earlier this month, provincial officials had confirmed that nearly 80 percent of the construction work had been completed and announced June 30 as the target date for project completion. The latest announcement confirms that the highway has been completed ahead of schedule. While the Punjab government has yet to announce a formal inauguration ceremony, the completion of the Multan Vehari Highway marks a significant milestone in the province's infrastructure development efforts and is expected to provide long-term benefits for motorists and businesses across South Punjab.