LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] The Punjab government has inaugurated a digital toll collection system at the Eastern Toll Plaza on Lahore Ring Road, introducing a technology-based mechanism aimed at improving traffic flow, reducing waiting time and enhancing toll collection efficiency. Punjab Minister for Communication and Works Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth formally launched the new digital toll plaza during an inauguration ceremony attended by Punjab Ring Road Authority Chairperson Safiullah Gondal, senior officials of the Frontier Works Organization and representatives of One Network. The six lane toll plaza has been equipped with M-Tag facilities, enabling automated toll collection for vehicles using Lahore Ring Road. Officials said the system would help commuters pass through the toll plaza more quickly, reduce long queues and support smoother movement of traffic on one of Lahore’s busiest routes According to officials, the digital platform will also strengthen monitoring and surveillance on Lahore Ring Road. The system is expected to help identify and monitor suspicious vehicles, improving security arrangements alongside traffic management. During the briefing, participants were informed that the Eastern Toll Plaza had previously been managed through a third party arrangement, which created operational difficulties and caused inconvenience for road users. The newly introduced digital system is expected to address those issues by improving service delivery, traffic control and the overall commuter experience. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth said the Punjab government is committed to using modern technology in public infrastructure projects to improve efficiency and facilitate citizens. He said digitalisation of toll collection would not only make the process faster but also promote transparency in revenue collection. The minister added that technology driven systems are essential for modern urban transport management and that the Lahore Ring Road digital toll initiative reflects the government’s broader policy of upgrading public infrastructure through smart and efficient solutions. Officials said the new digital toll collection system will contribute to better traffic discipline, faster vehicle movement, improved revenue monitoring and greater convenience for thousands of commuters who use Lahore Ring Road daily.

Lahore: [Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan] An important meeting of the DHA Estate Agents Association Lahore was held under the chairmanship of President Zeeshan Butt, during which detailed discussions were held on the early resolution of transfer-related issues at the DHA office, problems being faced by members, and key legal matters concerning constitutional amendments. During the meeting, the elected body of the association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the legal rights of members at every level, ensuring timely resolution of their legitimate issues, and continuing effective measures to provide greater facilitation in real estate business matters. Participants emphasized that protecting members’ interests and creating ease for them remain the association’s top priorities. They also agreed to further strengthen continuous coordination, mutual cooperation and a positive working relationship with the DHA administration to achieve these objectives. On the occasion, participants reiterated that the DHA Estate Agents Association would continue to play every possible role for the welfare of its members, protection of their rights and development of the real estate community, while practical steps would also continue in the future to safeguard members’ interests.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Multan Bench of the Lahore High Court has set aside the Board of Revenue’s 2017 order in an important case concerning Mangla Dam affectees and directed the matter to be decided afresh within four months. Justice Muzamil Akhtar Shabbir issued a four-page written judgment, observing that until a final decision is made in the matter, the petitioners shall not be dispossessed from their owned land. In its ruling, the court noted that the Board of Revenue had not properly considered the petitioners’ stance and the ownership rights of 59 individuals. The court held that due to non-compliance with earlier judicial directions, the challenged order of the Board of Revenue could not be sustained. The petitioners’ counsel informed the court that WAPDA had issued a certificate for the purchase of state land, under which the full price of the land had been paid. Later, the petitioners approached the District Collector Vehari for transfer of ownership, but their request was rejected. According to the record, the Lahore High Court had referred the matter back to the Board of Revenue in 1999 for reconsideration of the petitioners’ claim and relevant legal aspects. However, the court observed that the Board of Revenue did not conduct a complete and lawful review of the matter in light of the earlier directions. On the other hand, the opposing counsel argued that the land falls within a prohibited zone and, therefore, the petitioners are not entitled to ownership rights. They further contended that the Director General had offered alternative land to the petitioners, but they refused to accept the offer without any valid reason, and therefore were not entitled to any relief. After reviewing the arguments and the record, the court set aside the Board of Revenue’s 2017 order and directed the relevant authorities to decide the matter afresh in accordance with law within four months. The court made it clear that until the fresh decision is made, the petitioners shall not be dispossessed from their owned land.