LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] The Lahore Development Authority, LDA, has launched a major operation against 6 illegal housing schemes in the city as part of its ongoing campaign against unlawful residential projects, sealing offices and demolishing roads, boundary walls, sewerage systems and other infrastructure. On the directions of LDA Director General Tahir Farooq, the Directorate of Metropolitan Planning Three carried out action against illegal housing schemes. LDA teams took action against New Amir Town, Lahore Medical City Phase One, Phase Two and Phase Three, and Ghaus Garden Phase Four, demolishing illegal structures and development works. According to officials, action was also taken against Ali Villas Phase One, New Palm Villas and Abid Garden. LDA teams sealed illegal offices established in these schemes, while unapproved infrastructure, including roads, boundary walls and sewerage systems, was removed with the help of heavy machinery. The operation was conducted under the supervision of the Chief Metropolitan Planning officer. The LDA Enforcement Squad and police also took part in the operation to ensure that the action was completed effectively and peacefully. LDA officials said that, on the instructions of DG LDA Tahir Farooq, operations against illegal housing schemes, unlawful constructions and encroachments are continuing across the city. Citizens have been advised to verify the legal status of any housing scheme from the LDA before investing or purchasing a plot.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has accelerated work under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Sohna Punjab Programme to provide basic facilities in rural areas and upgrade villages in line with modern civic standards. Under the programme, work is currently underway on 124 development schemes across 342 villages in the province. An important review meeting on the Sohna Punjab and Chief Minister’s Model Village Programme was held at the Civil Secretariat Lahore under the chairmanship of Provincial Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique. Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmad Mian, Special Secretary Arshad Baig, the CEO of Punjab Rural Municipal Services Company, and other relevant officials attended the meeting. Officials gave a detailed briefing on the progress made so far under the Model Village Programme. The meeting was informed that 485 villages across Punjab have been selected in the first phase of the Chief Minister’s Model Village Programme, where projects related to basic infrastructure, sanitation, drainage, lighting, and street improvement are being implemented. According to the provincial minister, around 3.9 million people in rural areas will benefit from the completion of the first phase. Zeeshan Rafique said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved Rs 60 billion for the programme, while additional funds will be allocated in the next fiscal year’s budget to further accelerate rural development. He said work would also begin soon in the remaining villages to provide facilities similar to those available in urban areas. The provincial minister directed the relevant authorities to ensure both speed and quality in the execution of development projects. He said administrative officers of the concerned districts should regularly visit project sites to ensure timely and high-quality completion of the schemes. Zeeshan Rafique said the government is making every possible effort to complete the first phase of the Model Village Programme by December 2026. He added that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed that another 7,500 villages be included in the programme, which would open a new chapter of development in Punjab’s rural areas. He said special focus is being placed on paving village streets, installing streetlights, improving sewerage systems, and restoring traditional water ponds. The provision of sewerage systems, he added, would help create a cleaner environment in villages and improve the quality of life for residents. The local government minister directed officials to ensure full implementation of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s guidelines. He expressed the hope that the completion of the Model Village Programme would provide significant relief to rural communities in terms of basic facilities and bring Punjab’s villages in line with a new standard of development, cleanliness, and public services.

Lahore | Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan Several projects aimed at restoring and improving basic civic facilities across Punjab have been completed in the directions of the Punjab Ombudsman. According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Ombudsman, following public complaints, the relevant departments took immediate action for road repairs, restoration of streetlights, cleanliness measures, closure of open manholes and improvement of drainage systems. The spokesperson said approximately Rs 3.3 million was spent on the completion of these projects, resulting in the restoration of civic facilities to improve and standard levels in different cities and areas. The repair and restoration of streetlights have made public places safer and better illuminated, while improvements to footpaths and pedestrian routes have enhanced public convenience and safety. Similarly, the cleaning and rehabilitation of drains and drainage systems have also led to a noticeable improvement in the overall sanitation situation. The spokesperson said these measures reflect a practical commitment to the swift redressal of public complaints, resolution of civic problems and provision of better municipal facilities to citizens. The Office of the Punjab Ombudsman reaffirmed its commitment to continuing effective monitoring and timely action to resolve problems faced by citizens across the province.