LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan An important stakeholders’ consultative meeting on Lahore Master Plan 2050 was held under the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), where various key aspects, including the city’s future planning, environmental protection, civic facilities, infrastructure needs and possible population growth, were reviewed in detail. The meeting was attended by LDA Director General Tahir Farooq, RUDA CEO Imran Amin, WWF Director General Hammad Khan Naqi, Nadia Qureshi from SUS Urban Unit, LDA Chief Metropolitan Planning Faisal Masood Qureshi, experts from the Urban Unit and WWF nominated by the Lahore High Court, Lahore Bachao Tehreek expert architect Kamil Khan Mumtaz, members of the Lahore Master Plan Review Committee and other relevant officials. During the meeting, consultant firm Dar Al Handasah, which is working on the master plan, gave a detailed briefing on the current working of Lahore Master Plan 2050. The briefing stated that the master plan is being prepared while keeping in view the possible future increase in population, unplanned urban expansion, housing needs, civic facilities, public transportation, travel requirements and pedestrian facilities. According to officials, Lahore Master Plan 2050 is also giving special importance to the city’s culture, parks, green belts, water resources and environmental protection, so that Lahore’s future development can move forward on more organized, sustainable and environment-friendly lines. The meeting was informed that, in light of Lahore High Court’s directions, Lahore Master Plan 2050 is being reviewed in consultation with all stakeholders. In this regard, WWF and the Urban Unit are also reviewing the technical aspects of the master plan. Environmental pollution, smog, unplanned industrial expansion, and social and economic challenges are being given special consideration in the planning process. The briefing further stated that key matters such as high-rise buildings, construction of commercial and residential high-rise properties, future infrastructure needs, wastewater disposal and water treatment plants have also been included in the master plan. Special attention is being paid at both government and private levels to water usage, drainage and treatment systems. The meeting was told that consultations and proposals from both the private and public sectors have been included in the preparation of Lahore Master Plan 2050, so that the plan remains aligned with the city’s ground realities, urban pressure, environmental risks and future development needs. During the consultative meeting, all stakeholders presented their suggestions regarding Lahore Master Plan 2050. Participants said the master plan could prove to be an important document for Lahore’s future by ensuring civic and rural facilities, environmental protection, improved transport systems and balanced urban development. WWF Director Climate Nazifa Butt and WWF GIS Manager Usman Akram also attended the meeting along with other experts.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) has accelerated work on the proposed Sports City in Lahore, with officials confirming that the process of acquiring land for the major sports infrastructure project is currently under way. The project was discussed during a meeting between RUDA Chief Executive Officer Imran Amin and Punjab Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs Fazlur Rehman at Punjab Stadium. The meeting reviewed key aspects of the planned development, including its proposed location, planning framework, land requirements and future execution strategy. According to officials, the Sports City is being planned as Pakistan’s first dedicated urban development focused entirely on sports. The project is expected to be completed in multiple phases and will provide modern facilities for athletes, sports organizations and major national and international events. The proposed development will include international standard stadiums, training centres, sports complexes and other supporting infrastructure designed to promote professional sports activity in Punjab. Officials said the initiative would not only strengthen sports infrastructure in Lahore but also create new opportunities for young athletes across the province. Punjab Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs Fazlur Rehman said the project carries major importance for the promotion and long term development of sports in Punjab. He said the planned Sports City would include modern sports complexes and facilities built according to international standards. Officials added that RUDA is currently working on the acquisition of land required for the project. Once the land acquisition process is completed, the authority is expected to move ahead with detailed planning and phased construction. The Sports City project is being seen as a significant step toward developing Lahore as a major centre for sports activity, training and events, while also supporting the broader vision of planned urban development under RUDA.

Lahore/Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan The Federal Board of Revenue and District Collector offices have revised and reduced property valuation rates in DHA Lahore and Rawalpindi, a move expected to provide major relief to property buyers, sellers and investors. According to the updated valuation details, property values in different DHA Lahore phases have reportedly been reduced by around 30 to 35 percent. The revision is expected to lower overall transaction costs, including transfer expenses, withholding taxes and federal taxes such as Capital Gains Tax. The revised valuation tables are particularly important for DHA Lahore, where property rates in Phase 6, Phase 7, Phase 8, Phase 9 Prism and Phase 10 have been affected. Real estate stakeholders believe the reduction will help bring official property values closer to current market conditions and may encourage fresh activity in the property market. The reduction is also expected to benefit overseas Pakistanis and local investors who had been facing higher tax liabilities due to elevated official valuation rates. Lower valuation rates generally reduce the tax burden at the time of property transfer, making transactions more affordable for both buyers and sellers. In Rawalpindi, property valuation rates are updated through FBR Statutory Regulatory Orders, covering residential and commercial areas, including major housing schemes. Any reduction in FBR valuation tables can directly impact Capital Gains Tax and other transaction related charges. Real estate experts say the move may improve investor confidence at a time when Pakistan’s property market has been under pressure due to high taxes, rising costs and slow transaction activity. However, they added that the actual relief for each property owner or investor will depend on the specific location, property category and the applicable FBR or DC valuation rate. For tax purposes, property transactions are generally assessed on the basis of the FBR value or local DC rate, whichever is higher. Filers also continue to receive comparatively lower tax rates than non-filers during property transactions. The revised valuations are being viewed as a positive step for the real estate sector, particularly in DHA Lahore and Rawalpindi, where lower official values may reduce transaction costs and support market activity.