LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar visited Data Darbar in Lahore, where he offered Fateha at the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) and prayed for national security, prosperity, and unity and stability of the Muslim Ummah. During the visit, the Secretary Auqaf briefed the Deputy Prime Minister in detail regarding ongoing development projects, administrative affairs, and facilities being provided to pilgrims at Data Darbar. He was also informed about expansion projects, security arrangements, cleanliness measures, crowd management systems, and improvements in public facilities at the shrine. Ishaq Dar inspected various development projects at Data Darbar and appreciated the ongoing expansion program. He stated that the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) is a great center of spirituality, peace, tolerance, and Islamic values. He said the government is taking all possible measures to provide better facilities to pilgrims, adding that improvements in infrastructure, modern security systems, cleanliness, and effective administrative management reflect the government’s public friendly vision. He directed the concerned authorities to ensure completion of the ongoing projects within the stipulated timeframe and according to high standards so that pilgrims visiting from across the country could benefit from improved facilities and a better environment. On the occasion, Dr. Ahsan Bhatta said that all available resources are being utilized to complete the Data Darbar mega project on time, adding that the project would provide modern and quality facilities to visitors upon completion. Executive Engineer C&W Muhammad Isa, Fahad Naveed, NESPAK General Manager Adil Nazir, Auqaf Executive Engineer Qaiser Munir, and other senior officials of the Data Darbadministration were also present during the visit.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] The automated building plan approval system “eBiz” in Lahore is facing serious technical and administrative issues, causing significant inconvenience and unusually long delays for citizens. Although the system was introduced to ensure transparency and speed up approvals, it is increasingly becoming an obstacle rather than a facilitation tool. According to sources, the backlog of pending applications at the Lahore Development Authority’s (LDA) One Window Cell has increased to 18 days, prompting serious concern from senior officials. Citizens report that even minor building plan approvals are being delayed unnecessarily, disrupting construction projects across the city. Reports indicate that a lack of effective monitoring of the eBiz system and the unnecessary delay of cases have also drawn the ire of the Chief Secretary’s office. In a related meeting, LDA officials reportedly faced tough questions and criticism over the situation. Sources further reveal that citizens’ applications are being repeatedly transferred between various departments, particularly the Town Planning Wing and the Directorate of Architect, resulting in further delays and procedural complications. It has also been reported that poor coordination between the LDA IT Wing and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) is worsening the situation, while internal blame-shifting among departments has further hindered efforts to improve the system. Officials maintain that the primary objective of the E-Biz system was to streamline, digitize, and make the building plan approval process more transparent and efficient. However, due to ongoing administrative and technical challenges, the system is currently causing delays and difficulties rather than providing relief to citizens.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has launched a large-scale enforcement operation across the city against illegal constructions, unauthorized commercial activities, and defaulters of commercial fees, resulting in the demolition of multiple structures and the sealing of 193 properties. The action was carried out under the special directives of LDA Director General Tahir Farooq by the Town Planning Wing. LDA teams conducted operations in several areas including Punjab University Society, Naz Town, PCSIR Society, Nishat e Iqbal, Gulberg, New Garden Town, Gulshan Ravi, Gojra Purra, Samanabad, Allama Iqbal Town, and Sabzazar. During the operation, several illegal shops and constructions were demolished, while multiple properties were sealed for unauthorized commercial use and non-payment of dues. According to LDA officials, illegal constructions were removed in Punjab University Society, while unauthorized shops were also targeted in Naz Town, PCSIR Society, and Nishat e Iqbal Road. On Jan Muhammad Road, 30 properties were sealed for illegal commercial use, while 24 properties were sealed in Gulberg and New Garden Town. The authority further stated that 89 properties were sealed in Gulshan Ravi, Gojra Purra, and Samanabad over illegal commercial activities and non-payment of commercial fees. Additionally, 50 more properties were sealed during a recovery operation in Allama Iqbal Town and Sabzazar. The sealed premises include private schools, academies, pharmacies, clinics, grocery stores, hardware shops, electric outlets, beauty salons, workshops, restaurants, food points, offices, and other commercial establishments. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Chief Town Planner-I Asad ul Zaman and Chief Town Planner-II Azhar Ali. Director General LDA Tahir Farooq reiterated that indiscriminate action against illegal constructions, unauthorized commercial buildings, and fee defaulters will continue to ensure the enforcement of laws across the city.