LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] The Town Planning Wing of the Lahore Development Authority has intensified action against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters, launching a large scale operation in different schemes of Lahore and LDA controlled areas. During the operation, a total of 126 properties were sealed. According to the LDA, the actions were carried out on the instructions of LDA Director General Tahir Farooq. During the operation, several properties were sealed over illegal commercial use and non payment of commercial fees in areas including Johar Town, Canal Road, Shah Jamal, Gulshan Ravi, Gulberg, New Garden Town and Sabzazar. Town Planning Wing teams sealed 28 properties in Johar Town over illegal commercial use, while action was taken against a total of 46 properties on Canal Road, Shah Jamal and Gulshan Ravi. Similarly, 30 properties were sealed in Gulberg and New Garden Town over illegal commercial activities and non payment of commercial fees. During the recovery operation, LDA teams also sealed 22 properties in Sabzazar. The sealed properties included private schools, academies, colleges, catering centres, grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, food points, bakeries, pharmacies, beauty salons, clinics, auto workshops, shops, offices and other commercial units. Officials said the operation was conducted under the supervision of Chief Town Planner One Asad uz Zaman and Chief Town Planner Two Azhar Ali. The LDA administration said action against illegal commercial use, violations of building laws and commercial fee defaulters would continue across the city. LDA Director General Tahir Farooq said indiscriminate action is being taken against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters to ensure organized urban development, enforcement of law and implementation of approved land use in the city.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] Lahore’s much awaited electric tram project has faced another delay after the Punjab government revised its proposed route once again, raising fresh questions over the final launch timeline of the city’s first modern tram based public transport system. Under the latest proposal, the tram route will pass through the Central Business District, Gulberg, Jail Road and Istanbul Chowk. Canal Road, which was earlier included in the plan, has now been removed from the alignment due to environmental and technical concerns. Officials said the decision was taken to avoid large scale cutting of trees along Canal Road and to address construction related challenges linked with the busy corridor. The revised route is now being reviewed as part of the government’s plan to introduce a cleaner and more efficient transport option for Lahore. Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar said the electric tram first arrived in Lahore in July 2025. It was later displayed during a test run and public exhibition at Expo Centre Lahore in August 2025, where the project was presented as part of Punjab’s push towards modern and environment friendly urban transport. The project has gone through several changes since it was first planned. Initially, authorities proposed a 27 kilometre Yellow Line corridor from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura. Later, the government considered a trackless tram system and examined possible routes through Kalma Chowk, Liberty Market, Main Market, Mini Market and Hali Road. However, repeated route changes have slowed down the implementation process. Although the government continues to describe the project as an important step towards sustainable public transport in Lahore, no final date has yet been announced for the start of regular tram operations. The electric tram project is expected to support Lahore’s growing mobility needs, reduce dependence on private vehicles and offer citizens a modern public transport alternative. But with another route revision now under consideration, the long awaited project remains without a clear operational timeline.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has approved major reforms to the rules governing private housing schemes, making it mandatory for all new applications and amendments to previously approved schemes to be submitted through a central digital approval system. The Punjab Cabinet’s Standing Committee on Legislative Business has approved comprehensive amendments to the Punjab Private Housing Schemes Rules 2022. The reforms are aimed at improving transparency, planning standards, regulatory oversight and protection for property buyers. Under the new rules, strict action can be taken against housing schemes established without approval or projects that fail to complete development work within the prescribed time. Such schemes may face daily fines ranging from PKR 5,000 to PKR 20,000. The amended rules also place emphasis on underground utility services, stronger infrastructure planning and the provision of essential residential facilities. The government believes these measures will help protect buyers, discourage illegal schemes and promote affordable housing. Any housing scheme involving more than five landowners will be required to apply through a registered company or a cooperative society. The number of owners in an approved scheme will not be allowed to increase later. The number of entities participating in a joint venture housing project has also been limited to five, while cooperative societies will not be permitted to enter into joint venture agreements. The amendments have been aligned with the Punjab Local Government Act 2025 and will take effect after publication in the official gazette.