LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] The Lahore Development Authority has intensified action against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters. On the instructions of LDA Director General Tahir Farooq, the LDA Town Planning Wing launched a major operation in different areas under LDA control and sealed a total of 62 properties. LDA teams carried out operations in Gulberg, Gulshan Ravi, Canal Road and Allama Iqbal Town. According to officials, 19 properties were sealed in Gulberg over illegal commercial use and non-payment of commercial fees, while action was taken against 23 properties in Gulshan Ravi and on Canal Road. Similarly, during the recovery operation, 20 properties were also sealed in Allama Iqbal Town. According to the LDA, the action was taken against buildings that were either being used illegally for commercial purposes or had outstanding commercial fees payable. The sealed properties include private schools, restaurants, food points, beauty salons, clinics, grocery stores, bakeries, pharmacies, auto workshops, shops, offices and other commercial units. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Chief Town Planner One Asaduz Zaman. DG LDA Tahir Farooq said that indiscriminate action against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters would continue. He made it clear that strict action would be taken against properties violating regulations in areas controlled by the LDA.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The National Accountability Bureau has decided to introduce an Online Property Information System to prevent fraud, illegal sales and deception of citizens in private housing societies. According to sources, NAB has sought approved layout plans of housing societies across Punjab, while all relevant development authorities have been directed to provide approved records so they can be made part of the new online system. In a letter sent by NAB to the Secretary of the Punjab Housing Department, it has been stated that the SOPs, approved layout plans and relevant official records of housing societies will be linked with the NAB portal. The purpose of this initiative is to inform citizens about the legal status of any housing society before they invest or purchase a plot. Sources said that through the new Online Property Information System, people will be able to access approved maps, layout plans and legal status details of housing societies established in different districts across the province. The system will help protect citizens from investing in unapproved or disputed housing projects. Officials said complaints related to private housing societies have become a serious issue. These complaints include the sale of illegal files, booking of plots beyond the approved area, non provision of basic facilities and delays in projects after collecting money from citizens. According to NAB, the implementation of the online system will promote transparency in the housing sector, while citizens will be able to easily access verified information about any society. The initiative will not only improve public confidence but also help make action against illegal housing societies and elements involved in fraud more effective.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] An important meeting was held under the Lahore Heritage Areas Revival (LHAR) to discuss the restoration of the original historical names of Lahore’s roads, streets and areas. The meeting reviewed various aspects related to the protection of the city’s historical, cultural and urban heritage. Scholars, historians, architects, urban planners and prominent citizens attended the meeting. The purpose of the forum was to consider the proposal for restoring the traditional and historical names of different areas, streets and roads of Lahore that have either changed over time or gradually faded from public use. Participants said Lahore is not merely a city, but a centre of centuries old civilizational, cultural and historical heritage. They observed that the city’s old names are deeply connected with its identity, local history, traditions and collective memory, making their preservation essential for protecting Lahore’s original character. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the historical relevance of various names, their background, connection with local communities, documentation of the city’s past and their impact on urban identity. Participants also stressed that restoring historical names would not only help preserve Lahore’s cultural heritage but also promote tourism, academic research and public awareness. The forum also discussed that the process of restoring historical names should move forward carefully, on the basis of authentic research and consultation with relevant institutions, so that historical facts related to any area or road can be presented accurately. At the conclusion of the meeting, participants agreed that Lahore’s historical identity is a valuable national heritage that deserves protection for future generations. They said restoring the city’s original historical names could prove to be an important effort to connect Lahore’s past, present and future.