LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] A major connectivity milestone has been achieved with the opening of the new road linking DHA and Formanites, officially connecting Phase 5 Ring Road with Phase 9. The newly established road link is expected to provide significant relief to thousands of residents who have long faced heavy traffic congestion and daily commuting delays in the area. By creating a smoother and more direct route between key residential and commercial zones, the project is set to improve overall traffic flow and reduce pressure on existing roads. The connection between DHA, Formanites and Phase 9 is also being viewed as an important step toward strengthening local infrastructure. Residents believe the project will not only save travel time but also improve access to nearby communities, educational institutions, business centres and major road networks. According to Malik Kashif and other community representatives, the road addresses one of the most pressing traffic bottlenecks that had affected residents for years. The improved route is expected to make daily movement more convenient for families, students, office workers and businesses operating in and around DHA and its adjoining areas. Beyond easing traffic pressure, the project is also likely to support a new phase of development and growth in the surrounding locality. Better road access often plays a key role in improving property value, encouraging commercial activity and making residential communities more attractive for living and investment. Speaking on the development, Malik Kashif described the completion of the road as a great milestone for the community. He said the new connection would help make DHA and its surroundings an even better place to live, work and invest. He also expressed gratitude to all individuals and institutions who contributed to making the project possible. The opening of the road marks an important infrastructure improvement for the area and is expected to deliver long term benefits for residents, commuters and investors alike.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, approved a series of major development, industrial, agricultural, transport, health, environmental and infrastructure projects for various parts of the province during its 34th meeting. The cabinet approved the expansion of Quaid e Azam Business Park Sheikhupura by an additional 200 acres to promote industrial development. It also approved rules and regulations related to the lease and rent of plots in Garment City and various industrial zones. Amendments to the LDA land-use rules were also approved to facilitate special economic zones. The cabinet approved the implementation of an axle load management system in Punjab, aimed at protecting highways from excessive load carried by heavy vehicles and improving the durability of road infrastructure. Approval was also granted for the establishment of a modern Provincial Traffic Management and Command Centre to strengthen traffic control, monitoring and urban mobility management. In the tourism and transport sectors, the cabinet approved salaries and allowances for the Project Management Unit of the Murree Glass Train project. The project is being viewed as an important initiative to promote tourism in Murree and provide modern travel facilities. In the agriculture sector, approval was given to launch the “Apna Khait, Apna Rozgar” scheme on easy terms in Cholistan and riverine areas. The cabinet was informed that 30,000 lots had been identified for the scheme, while nearly 200,000 families had so far submitted applications. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed strict digital monitoring of the scheme and said citizens should be able to access complete information about it with a single click. The meeting also approved the agricultural transformation project and subsidy for the Potohar region. Funds were also approved for the EWR and commodity trading system to ensure farmers’ participation, with the objective of modernising the agricultural economy and providing farmers with better market access. In the environment and energy sectors, the cabinet approved the New Energy Vehicle Policy for Punjab. It also approved the appointment of the Bank of Punjab as the financial agent for the “Clean Air Programme”, which is being described as an important step towards reducing air pollution and promoting environment-friendly initiatives in the province. The cabinet approved protective measures to prevent flooding and river erosion. It also approved the inclusion of the flood embankment project at Deg Nullah in the Annual Development Programme, the inclusion of hill torrent projects in Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan, and the reorganisation and capacity enhancement of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority. In the health sector, the cabinet approved the draft bill for the Punjab Autism School and Resource Centre Act 2026. It also approved the Chief Minister Stroke Initiative, a project aimed at stroke prevention. The management of Data Darbar Hospital was also approved to be placed under the control of the Auqaf Department. The meeting approved the establishment of the Aquaculture Authority of Punjab. It also approved the change of location and name of the first Shrimp Estate in Muzaffargarh. The transfer of forest land for the establishment of shrimp estates was also approved, which is being considered an important project for the promotion of aquaculture and exports. In the infrastructure sector, additional funds were approved for the construction of the Lalamusa-to-Moianwala road. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed that the road should be completed as soon as possible. Additional road rehabilitation schemes were also approved for Sahiwal, Mianwali and Faisalabad districts, along with the provision of funds for development schemes. The cabinet also approved the inclusion of Rs500 million development schemes for Sheikhupura in the Annual Development Programme. It further approved relaxation in the land requirement limit for the establishment of a THQ Hospital in Bhurban, Murree, and payment of compensation for land acquired for a sewage treatment plant. In the education and institutional development sectors, approval was granted to upgrade the UET Sub-Campus Narowal into the University of Engineering Narowal. The cabinet also approved the restoration of the original names of government colleges that had been granted university status. Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the government would fully support anyone willing to establish industry in Punjab. She directed that industrialists should bring their construction plans and that the process of setting up industries should be made easier, with no hurdles in NOCs or other approvals. Maryam Nawaz also stressed that financial discipline must be ensured in development projects. She said the practice of spending first and submitting bills later would not be acceptable, and all expenditures must be reported in advance. The chief minister directed that all financial liabilities be cleared, adding that it was unacceptable for the government to get work done without making payments.

Lahore: [Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan] On the instructions of Lahore Development Authority Director General Tahir Farooq, the LDA Town Planning Wing launched a large-scale operation against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters, sealing a total of 203 properties in different areas. LDA teams carried out operations in the controlled area, including Gulberg, Faisal Town, Gulshan e Ravi, Gujjarpura, Samanabad, Shadbagh, UET, NFC, Punjab Government Employees Cooperative Scheme, College Road, Allama Iqbal Town and several other locations. During the operation, 19 properties were sealed in Gulberg and Faisal Town for illegal commercial use, while 84 properties were sealed in Gulshan e Ravi, Gujjarpura, Samanabad and Shadbagh. Similarly, 60 properties were sealed on UET, NFC, Punjab Government Employees Cooperative Scheme and College Road over illegal commercial use and non-payment of commercial fees. LDA teams also sealed 40 properties in Allama Iqbal Town during a recovery operation. According to officials, the sealed properties included private schools, colleges, banks, halls, marquees, academies, bakeries, pharmacies, beauty salons, clinics, grocery stores, auto workshops, electric stores, restaurants, food points, shops, offices and other commercial establishments. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Chief Town Planner-I Asad-uz-Zaman and Chief Town Planner-II Azhar Ali. LDA Director General Tahir Farooq said indiscriminate action against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters would continue.