LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has prepared a Rs 1,220 billion mega economic plan for the new financial year, placing construction, infrastructure and development projects at the centre of its economic revival strategy. Prepared on the special instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the plan is being described as the flagship vision of the provincial budget, aimed at accelerating construction activity, industrial growth, private investment and large scale infrastructure development across the province. According to government sources, Punjab’s key priority in the new financial year will be to boost economic activity, support the construction sector, activate industrial zones and generate new employment opportunities through development projects. For this purpose, the Economic Transformation Plan is being made a central component of the provincial budget. Under the proposed plan, Rs 300 billion has been earmarked for the Punjab Infrastructure and Guarantee Fund. The fund is designed to provide financial support for major development schemes, roads, industrial infrastructure, business facilitation facilities, private investment and projects launched under public-private partnership arrangements. The government believes that investment in infrastructure will not only stimulate the construction industry but also increase activity in allied sectors such as cement, steel, transport, labour and other related industries. The proposed establishment of the Punjab Wealth Fund, with an allocation of Rs 700 billion, is also a major part of the plan. The fund is intended to promote long-term investment, economic growth and projects that could help increase Punjab’s revenue, industrial output and employment opportunities in the future. South Punjab has also been given special importance in the mega economic plan. The government plans to establish new industrial clusters and agro-processing zones in the region, a move expected to increase construction activity and require the development of industrial infrastructure, warehouses, factories, processing units and related facilities. These initiatives are expected to promote investment, local employment and value addition in agricultural production. Major measures have also been proposed to promote food exports and the agro-industry. According to the government, new facilities, processing zones and logistics infrastructure will be developed to link agricultural production with a modern industrial system, enabling Punjab to become a hub for export-oriented agricultural and industrial products. The plan also includes a proposed allocation of Rs 30 billion for IT infrastructure and data centres. Under this initiative, work will be carried out on modern digital infrastructure, technology parks, data centres and related facilities. The government maintains that technology-based infrastructure will attract new investment to Punjab and create employment opportunities for young people. Another Rs 30 billion allocation has been proposed for power sector reforms and private investment. Improvements in the energy sector are being described as essential for industrial and construction activity, as better electricity supply and reduced energy costs would directly benefit industries, commercial centres and development projects. Investment through public-private partnerships will also remain a key feature of the economic plan. The government aims to involve the private sector in major development projects to accelerate construction work. In addition, a proposal has been made to provide loans of up to Rs 5 billion for industrial development, while small industries will also receive financial assistance to help them participate in construction, industrial and productive activities. Government circles say Punjab’s Rs 1,220 billion Economic Transformation Plan is not merely a financial package but a coordinated strategy to advance construction, infrastructure, industrial development, technology and investment across the province. Its implementation is expected to speed up major development projects, inject fresh momentum into the construction sector and generate broad-based economic activity in Punjab.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] On the instructions of Lahore Development Authority Director General Tahir Farooq, the LDA Town Planning Wing has intensified action against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters. LDA teams carried out a large-scale operation in different areas of the LDA-controlled zone and sealed a total of 215 properties. According to the LDA, the operations were conducted in several areas including Gulberg, Faisal Town, Samanabad, Shadbagh, Gulshan Ravi, College Road, NFC, UET Private Society, Allama Iqbal Town and Defence Road. During the operation, several properties were sealed over illegal commercial use, violation of commercialization rules and non-payment of commercial fees. According to details, 30 properties were sealed in Gulberg and Faisal Town over illegal commercial use and non-payment of commercial fees. Similarly, action was taken against 75 properties in Samanabad, Shadbagh and Gulshan Ravi, while 60 properties were sealed on College Road, NFC and UET Private Scheme. During the recovery operation, LDA teams also sealed another 50 properties in Allama Iqbal Town and Defence Road. The sealed properties included private schools, colleges, academies, halls, banks, grocery stores, cafés, restaurants, food points, beauty salons, clinics, electric and hardware stores, estate offices, bakeries, pharmacies, auto workshops, shops, offices and other business centres. The operation was carried out under the supervision of Chief Town Planner-I Asad-uz-Zaman and Chief Town Planner-II Azhar Ali. According to LDA officials, notices had been issued to the relevant properties in accordance with rules and regulations before the operation; however, the sealing action was taken after failure to comply with the law. DG LDA Tahir Farooq said that indiscriminate action against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters would continue. He said the LDA was taking lawful measures to ensure urban development, enforcement of town planning laws and regulation of commercial activities.

Lahore : [ReNews Pakistan] The Lahore Heritage Areas Revival Board (LHAR) has clarified that the historic Ewing Hall in Anarkali, Lahore, will not be demolished and will instead be preserved, restored and rehabilitated in accordance with heritage conservation principles. The clarification came after public concern and media reports regarding the future of the historic building, which is considered an important part of Lahore’s architectural and educational heritage. According to a statement issued by LHAR, Ewing Hall was leased in 1915 for use as student hostel accommodation. However, the building has reportedly remained unused for its original educational and hostel purpose since 2015. The board stated that rental dues of more than Rs. 10 crore, approximately Rs. 107 million, had accumulated over time despite repeated reminders and notices issued to the concerned parties. LHAR said the Board of Revenue, Punjab issued a formal show-cause notice in March 2026, giving all stakeholders an opportunity to present their position. Following hearings involving Forman Christian College and the Higher Education Department, the Member (Colonies) passed a legal order on April 27, 2026, resuming the land in favour of the provincial government. The board emphasized that the decision was not sudden or arbitrary, but the outcome of a legal and administrative process that continued over several years. LHAR further clarified that the building would not be removed or destroyed. Instead, it will be restored as part of the board’s mandate to protect and revive Lahore’s historic structures. The board said both LHAR and the Walled City of Lahore Authority are committed to the preservation and restoration of heritage buildings, adding that Ewing Hall holds significant architectural and historical value for the city. The statement also acknowledged the historical legacy of Forman Christian College and expressed respect for the minority communities associated with the institution. LHAR stressed that the matter is purely legal and administrative in nature and is not aimed at any community, institution or group. The board also said it remains open to dialogue with all stakeholders regarding the preservation and future use of the historic site. The clarification is expected to address concerns among heritage activists, citizens and educational circles who had called for the protection of Ewing Hall as part of Lahore’s cultural and architectural identity.