LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed the establishment of Pakistan’s first coal based fertilizer plant under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, describing it as a game changing project for the country’s agriculture, industrial development and food security. According to PCJCCI, the project involves an investment of $1.12 billion and is expected to increase local fertilizer production while reducing Pakistan’s dependence on imported fertilizers. The chamber said the project would play an important role in strengthening the agriculture sector, ensuring timely and relatively affordable fertilizer supplies for farmers, promoting industrial activity and creating new employment opportunities. PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain said the use of local coal resources for fertilizer production was a highly significant development for Pakistan. He said the initiative would help ensure continuity in fertilizer supply, reduce import pressure and lower production costs for farmers. He said the first coal based fertilizer plant under CPEC was not merely an industrial project but a strategic investment in Pakistan’s agricultural future. The availability of affordable and consistent fertilizer, he added, would directly support higher crop yields, strengthen food security and improve the competitiveness of Pakistan’s agricultural exports. PCJCCI Senior Vice President Brigadier Mansoor Saeed Sheikh said China had achieved remarkable success in agricultural modernization, offering valuable lessons for Pakistan. He said Pakistan had immense untapped potential across its diverse agro-climatic zones, which could be utilized through modern irrigation, smart farming and improved cultivation practices. He said dryland farming could be promoted through modern technology, while the Indus Delta region could benefit from Chinese models of integrated rice and fish farming. He added that modern Chinese techniques, particularly water-based cultivation systems, could also be adopted in Sindh’s coastal areas and small islands to increase agricultural output despite environmental and water-related challenges. PCJCCI Vice President Amir Ali said the coal-based fertilizer plant would not be limited to fertilizer production but would also serve as a foundation for broader agricultural reforms and modernization. He said China’s expertise in agricultural mechanization, smart farming, aquaculture and agro-industrial development could help Pakistan fully utilize the potential of its agriculture and blue economy sectors. Chamber officials said the project reflected how Chinese investment could contribute effectively to Pakistan’s long-term development goals, food security, industrial expansion and sustainable agricultural growth.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The federal government has finalised a plan to significantly reduce taxes on the sale and purchase of property in the upcoming budget, aiming to revive the real estate sector and boost construction activity across the country. The government is currently holding discussions with the International Monetary Fund over this major policy shift. However, the proposed measures have reportedly faced reservations and opposition from the global lender. Despite the IMF’s strict conditions, the government is moving ahead to finalise the proposals. Under the proposed relief package, the tax rate for filers on the purchase of immovable property may be reduced from the existing 1.5 percent to just 0.25 percent. In addition, the tax imposed on the sale of property is also proposed to be brought down from 4.5 percent to 1.5 percent.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has introduced a comprehensive plan for the upgradation of Pine Avenue, one of the city’s rapidly developing commercial and business corridors, with the proposed construction of an underpass at Shino Baba Chowk as its central component. According to the LDA, the authority has forwarded the project to the Punjab government for approval under the Annual Development Programme. The proposed underpass will be constructed at the junction of Pine Avenue and New Defence Road, while the existing roundabout at Shino Baba Chowk will be removed. The project is aimed at improving traffic flow on this busy road and reducing vehicular pressure at the important intersection, which connects several residential and commercial areas.