LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] Lahore Development Authority Director General Tahir Farooq visited the Data Darbar expansion project and the under construction Bhati Chowk Underpass, where he reviewed the quality, pace and finishing work of the ongoing development activities. During the visit, TEPA Chief Engineer Iqrar Hussain, the project director and the contractor briefed the LDA DG on the progress of the project. Officials said work on the walls and ramps of the Bhati Chowk Underpass was progressing rapidly, while work on the NJ barriers was also being carried out simultaneously. LDA DG Tahir Farooq directed that the pace of work on the underpass be further accelerated to ensure timely completion of the project. He also instructed the project director to share progress updates on a daily basis. Tahir Farooq directed the contractor to finalize the design for lighting, finishing and horticulture at the earliest, stressing that there would be no compromise on the quality and appearance of the project. He also reviewed the ongoing finishing work at the Data Darbar piazza, underground pedestrian passage, parking area and toilet block, and directed the relevant teams to expedite the work. TEPA Chief Engineer Iqrar Hussain said during the briefing that traffic flow in the area had improved following the removal of encroachments around Data Darbar. Officials said the completion of the project would provide better facilities to visitors to Data Darbar, pedestrians and motorists.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The expansion of new and unplanned housing societies in Punjab has affected agricultural land on a large scale. According to available reports, nearly 225,000 acres of valuable agricultural land in the province have been consumed by housing schemes and unplanned urban expansion over the past few decades. Reports suggest that this land was converted into around 6,000 housing schemes, of which nearly 4,000 were allegedly developed illegally. The situation is being described as a matter of concern for the province, as Punjab plays a central role in the country’s agricultural production, food requirements and rural economy. In terms of kanal, 225,000 acres are equal to nearly 1.8 million kanal, while in hectares this area is around 91,000 hectares. Experts say the conversion of agricultural land into residential and commercial use on such a large scale could become a threat to future food production and the agricultural economy. According to officials, unplanned urban expansion has not only raised concerns over a possible decline in agricultural output but has also worsened environmental issues. The reduction of agricultural land affects green cover, while new settlements, roads, construction and traffic pressure increase smog, pollution and the burden on urban facilities. The Punjab government has prepared land use and zoning plans for 32 districts to stop this trend. Under these plans, separate zones have been allocated for residential, commercial and industrial use. Officials say no new housing scheme or commercial project will be allowed on land that has not been approved or notified for that purpose under the master plan. Real estate observers believe this measure may help stop the spread of illegal housing schemes, protect agricultural land and regulate urban development. However, strict monitoring by local administrations, development authorities and municipal institutions will be necessary for effective implementation. Experts say Punjab will need to focus on planned urban growth, vertical construction, approved residential projects and protection of agricultural land instead of horizontal expansion, so that urban needs can be met without damaging the province’s agricultural base. Overall, reports that nearly 225,000 acres of agricultural land have been affected by the expansion of housing societies in Punjab show that maintaining a balance between real estate development and agricultural protection has become an urgent need for the province.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has proposed significant changes to agricultural taxation and irrigation charges under the Punjab Finance Bill 2026, introducing higher tax rates on larger landholdings and orchards while offering targeted relief measures aimed at supporting the province’s agricultural economy. According to the proposed amendments to the Agriculture Income Tax Rules, agricultural landholdings of up to 12.5 acres will remain exempt from agricultural tax. However, landowners possessing more than 12.5 acres and up to 25 acres will face a substantial increase in taxation, with the rate proposed at Rs 1,000 per acre compared to the existing Rs 300 per acre. Similarly, landholdings exceeding 25 acres and up to 50 acres will also be taxed at Rs 1,000 per acre, replacing the current rate of Rs. 400 per acre. For holdings above 50 acres, the proposed tax has been increased from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per acre. The government has also proposed higher taxation on orchards. Under the new framework, mature orchards would be taxed at Rs 1,000 per acre, up from the current Rs 600 per acre. Tax on unirrigated orchards is proposed to increase from Rs 300 to Rs 500 per acre. In another major policy shift, the provincial government has proposed replacing the existing crop based water cess mechanism with a uniform flat rate system. Under the proposed structure, water charges will be levied at Rs. 1,650 per acre during the Kharif season and Rs 850 per acre during the Rabi season, regardless of crop type. Officials say the reforms are intended to simplify tax administration, improve revenue collection and ensure a more uniform framework for agricultural taxation and irrigation charges across the province. At the same time, the government has proposed relief measures for the agriculture sector by abolishing the cotton fee currently charged on the arrival of raw cotton at ginning factories. Authorities believe the move will help revive the cotton industry, which has faced severe challenges in recent years due to declining production levels. According to government estimates, falling cotton output has led to the closure of numerous ginning units, particularly in South Punjab, affecting farmers, industrial activity and employment. The proposed abolition of the cotton fee is expected to reduce operational costs for the sector and encourage greater agricultural and industrial activity. The proposed measures will be considered as part of the provincial budget process for FY2026-27 and, if approved, will significantly reshape Punjab’s agricultural taxation and irrigation revenue framework while providing targeted support to key segments of the farming economy.