LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered the installation of safety nets beneath manhole covers across the province as part of a major urban safety and infrastructure improvement initiative. The directives were issued during a high-level review meeting on ongoing development projects in Punjab. The chief minister instructed relevant authorities to install polyester-strip safety nets inside manholes, gutters and drainage systems to prevent accidents and protect citizens, particularly children, from falling into uncovered or damaged manholes. Officials briefed the meeting that a pilot project had already been launched in Gujranwala, where safety nets would be installed on approximately 30,000 manholes. The initiative is expected to be gradually expanded across the province after the pilot phase. The meeting was attended by divisional commissioners through video link and reviewed progress on road rehabilitation, urban beautification, drainage improvement and public facility upgrade projects in different divisions. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed officials to give priority to road projects and ensure uniform design standards across Punjab. She called for standardised signboards, improved road aesthetics and consistent colours for shopfronts and shutters along major roads to create visual harmony in urban centres. She also ordered the installation of wall-mounted planters in narrow bazaars and markets where space constraints make traditional landscaping difficult. During the meeting, Taxila’s main bazaar was also approved for conversion into a heritage street to preserve its historic identity and promote urban tourism. According to officials, 31 development schemes related to roads, parks, commercial areas, flower markets and a zoo are close to completion in Gujranwala division. These projects include tuff tile work on major roads, installation of traffic signals at nine busy intersections and new streetlights on key routes, including Nowshera Road and Eminabad Road. The chief minister also approved several infrastructure projects in Wazirabad, Kamoke and other districts. These include road links, park restoration, canal-side jogging tracks and upgraded public facilities aimed at improving civic life and urban mobility. In Rawalpindi division, Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to complete beautification projects within three months. She also ordered the closure of open drains in parts of Gujar Khan to improve public safety and sanitation. Road construction and rehabilitation schemes were also approved for Kotli Sattian, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin and other areas.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] A major development has emerged in the plan to establish Pakistan’s first modern Sports City in Lahore as part of efforts to promote sports in Punjab. The process of land acquisition for the project is currently underway, while consultations between Sports Punjab and the Ravi Urban Development Authority have also been intensified. An important meeting was held between Secretary Sports Punjab Fazal ur Rehman and Ravi Urban Development Authority CEO Imran Amin, during which a detailed briefing was given on land acquisition, construction planning, phased development work and future sports infrastructure for the proposed Sports City. According to officials, the Sports City planned for Lahore will be equipped with modern facilities and will be completed in different phases. Under the project, modern sports complexes, international standard stadiums and advanced training facilities for athletes will be developed. Secretary Sports Punjab Fazal ur Rehman said the establishment of the Sports City would prove to be an important milestone for the promotion of sports in the province. He said the project would not only boost sports activities at the local level but would also provide young athletes with a better environment, modern facilities and professional training opportunities. Officials said the Ravi Urban Development Authority is currently engaged in the process of acquiring land for the project, while the relevant departments are working on the feasibility, design and phased implementation of the scheme. DG Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi, Additional Secretary Sports Shabbir Hussain Cheema and other officials of PMU Sports also attended the meeting.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has decided to abolish the province’s old legal framework for land consolidation, under which the Consolidation of Holdings Ordinance 1960 will be repealed and replaced with a new law. For this purpose, the Board of Revenue Punjab has prepared the draft of the Consolidation of Holdings Act 2026. According to sources, the proposed legal draft recommends gradually ending the old land consolidation system so that long pending revenue matters can be resolved and land records can be improved in line with modern requirements. Under the draft, areas where consolidation schemes have already been completed will be required to finalize records and implementation measures within one year. Similarly, schemes that are up to 70 percent complete have been recommended for completion within 180 days. The proposed law also recommends that villages where less than 70 percent progress has been made on consolidation schemes should be de notified, in order to reduce administrative complications caused by incomplete and long stalled schemes. Officials said the proposed legislation aims to improve the revenue system, correct land records, resolve pending matters and reduce difficulties faced by the public. The new measures are expected to help address issues related to land ownership, transfers and records in a more transparent and organized manner. The draft prepared by the Board of Revenue will be sent to the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department for legal vetting. After finalization and approval, the new law will be enforced across the province.