LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] The Lahore Development Authority has sealed 211 properties in different parts of the city during a large scale operation against illegal commercial activities, non payment of commercial fees and unauthorized commercial use of residential buildings. On the directions of LDA Director General Tahir Farooq, the LDA Town Planning Wing carried out operations in Gulberg, Model Town, Wapda Town, Gulshan Ravi, China Scheme, NMT Scheme, Mustafa Town and Azam Garden. During the operation, buildings being used illegally for commercial purposes and properties defaulting on commercial fees were sealed. According to LDA officials, 49 properties were sealed in Gulshan Ravi, China Scheme and NMT Scheme over illegal commercial use and non payment of commercial fees. Similarly, 28 properties were sealed during action in Gulberg and Model Town Extension. During the recovery operation, 24 properties were sealed in Mustafa Town and Azam Garden, while LDA teams took action in Wapda Town and sealed 75 illegal commercial shops and 35 other commercial properties. The sealed properties include private schools, restaurants, food points, beauty salons, clinics, grocery stores, bakeries, pharmacies, auto workshops, shops, offices and other business centres. Officials said the owners of these properties had been issued multiple notices over violations of rules and regulations, illegal commercial use or non payment of dues. The operation was carried out under the supervision of Chief Town Planner One Asad uz Zaman and Chief Town Planner Two Azhar Ali. LDA teams, along with officials and staff from the relevant departments, conducted actions at different locations and sealed the properties in accordance with the law. DG LDA Tahir Farooq has directed that indiscriminate action against illegal commercial buildings, unauthorized commercial activities and commercial fee defaulters should continue across LDA controlled areas. He said violations of building and commercial regulations in the city would not be tolerated and operations would continue to ensure enforcement of the law.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] Director General Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Tahir Farooq visited various development projects underway in the city and reviewed progress on the Data Darbar expansion project, Bhati Chowk Underpass, the parking area in front of the Railway Station and beautification work from Railway Station to Circular Road. During the visit to the Data Darbar expansion project, Secretary Auqaf Ehsan Bhutta also accompanied the LDA DG. Chief Engineer LDA Israr Saeed and Chief Engineer TEPA Iqrar Hussain briefed the officials in detail on the ongoing work. Officials informed that work on all components of the Data Darbar expansion project is progressing simultaneously, while 73 percent of the project has been completed overall. Secretary Auqaf Ehsan Bhutta also reviewed the finishing work of the parking area and pedestrian underpass. LDA DG Tahir Farooq was briefed on the progress of development work, construction quality and upcoming phases of the project. The LDA DG said the completion of the project would provide major relief to devotees visiting Data Darbar, citizens and residents of adjoining areas, while also improving traffic flow and civic facilities in the locality. The LDA DG also inspected construction work underway on the Bhati Chowk Underpass. During the briefing, officials said work on the underpass was continuing round the clock without interruption. The LDA DG directed that progress reports for both shifts of the project should be monitored regularly so that the work could be completed according to the required standards and pace. He said the construction of the Bhati Chowk Underpass would benefit hundreds of thousands of vehicles daily and significantly reduce traffic pressure in the city’s important entry points and historic areas.

Lahore : [ReNews Pakistan] The Lahore Development Authority has sealed 128 properties in a major operation against illegal commercial use, non-payment of commercialisation fees and violations of building regulations in different parts of the city. On the directions of LDA Director General Tahir Farooq, the LDA Town Planning Wing launched an operation against illegal commercial buildings and fee defaulters in areas falling under the authority’s control. The operations were carried out in Gulberg, New Garden Town, Johar Town, Gulshan Ravi, GT Road, Sabzazar and several other localities. According to LDA officials, 39 properties were sealed in Gulshan Ravi and along GT Road during action against illegal commercial use. Similarly, 24 properties were sealed in Gulberg and New Garden Town Scheme over illegal commercial activity and non-payment of commercial fees. In Johar Town, LDA teams sealed 35 illegal commercial shops, while 30 properties were sealed in Sabzazar during a recovery operation. Officials said the actions were aimed at ensuring enforcement of building laws, recovery of government dues and curbing illegal commercial activities in residential areas. The sealed properties include private schools, restaurants, food points, beauty salons, clinics, grocery stores, bakeries, pharmacies, auto workshops, shops, offices and other business centres. According to the LDA, several of these properties had already been issued notices, but enforcement action was taken after continued violations and failure to clear outstanding dues. The operation was carried out under the supervision of Chief Town Planner One Asaduz Zaman and Chief Town Planner Two Azhar Ali, while relevant directorates and field teams conducted simultaneous actions in different areas. LDA Director General Tahir Farooq said operations against illegal commercial buildings, commercial fee defaulters and those violating building laws would continue without discrimination. He said ensuring compliance with urban development regulations is a core responsibility of the LDA and no relaxation would be given in this regard.