LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Total cement dispatches in Pakistan increased by 11.14% year on year in April 2026, reaching 3.890 million tons compared to 3.500 million tons in the same month last year. According to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), local market dispatches stood at 3.217 million tons during April 2026, up from 2.677 million tons in April 2025, reflecting a strong growth of 20.17% in domestic sales. In contrast, exports recorded a decline. Cement exports fell by 18.22% to 673,058 tons in April 2026, compared to 823,032 tons during the same period last year. Cement mills in the northern region dispatched 2.662 million tons to the local market during April, marking an 18.25% increase from 2.251 million tons a year earlier. No exports were recorded from northern mills during the month. Total dispatches from the northern region stood at 2.662 million tons, reflecting a year on year increase of 12.52%. In the southern region, domestic dispatches also showed significant growth. Southern mills supplied 555,104 tons to the local market in April 2026, compared to 425,869 tons in April 2025, registering a 30.35% increase. However, exports from the southern region declined by 5.01% to 673,058 tons, down from 708,565 tons last year. Total dispatches from southern mills reached 1.228 million tons, showing an overall increase of 8.26%. During the first ten months of the current fiscal year (July to April), total cement dispatches, including both domestic sales and exports, reached 42.396 million tons, up 9.83% from 38.600 million tons in the same period last year. Domestic dispatches during this period rose by 11.33% to 34.785 million tons, while exports increased by 3.47% to 7.611 million tons. Region wise data shows that northern mills dispatched 29.014 million tons to the local market during July to April, reflecting a 12.56% increase. However, exports from the northern region declined sharply by 35.39% to 797,679 tons. Southern mills recorded domestic dispatches of 5.771 million tons during the same period, up 5.56%, while exports from the southern region increased by 11.31% to 6.813 million tons. An APCMA spokesperson expressed optimism that improving geopolitical conditions in the coming weeks would support the global economy and reduce energy related uncertainties. The spokesperson also expressed hope that the upcoming federal budget would introduce industry-friendly policies aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Pakistan’s cement sector.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to further accelerate development work under the Rs 305 billion Punjab Development Plan, which covers 52 cities across the province. She said all relevant departments must complete their preparations before the monsoon season, warning that negligence or lapses at any level would not be tolerated. The directives were issued during an important review meeting chaired by the chief minister to assess progress on the Punjab Development Plan. The meeting reviewed ongoing projects related to beautification, urban upgradation, drainage, road repairs, civic facilities and other development works across the province. During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that large-scale development activities were under way in 52 cities under the Rs305 billion plan. They said nearly 40 percent of the most critical work had been completed in 51 cities. Expressing satisfaction over progress on the projects, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said development work in Punjab was moving forward practically and that promises made to the people were being turned into reality. She said the province’s wheel of development would not stop now. Regarding the Lahore Development Plan, the meeting was told that the first phase had been completed, while the second phase was 76 percent complete. Officials said the second phase was targeted for completion by the end of June, while the chief minister also directed authorities to begin planning for the third phase. The meeting was further informed that, for the first time in Lahore’s history, 16,410 streets were being upgraded and beautified, with work being carried out on an average of 60 streets daily. The chief minister directed that development work in Lahore and other cities be completed with both quality and speed. On drainage projects, officials said key work was progressing rapidly in different cities. They said 70 percent of critical drainage work had been completed in Kamalia, 65 percent in Gojra, and 55 percent in Toba Tek Singh and Chichawatni. Similarly, 44 percent of drainage work had been completed in Joharabad and Jalalpur Jattan. The briefing also stated that the provision of modern machinery worth Rs6.6 billion had begun. The machinery includes suction, jetting, dewatering and desilting machines. These facilities will be provided to 52 cities by the end of June to ensure effective drainage and sanitation arrangements before the monsoon season. In view of the early monsoon, Maryam Nawaz directed all institutions to complete precautionary measures in advance. She made it clear that safety protocols must be fully implemented and that strict action would be taken in case of any negligence. The chief minister also expressed satisfaction over the upgradation of different areas of Lahore, particularly Ichhra Bazaar. She said the restoration of historic markets was essential for preserving the city’s identity, adding that Ichhra Bazaar could have deteriorated if it had been ignored. She indicated that she would personally inaugurate the project once completed. During a video-link meeting with deputy commissioners, the chief minister said the era of cosmetic measures and formalities was over. She said every officer would now have to deliver performance and the public must see tangible results. She directed all districts to identify development gaps and move forward with comprehensive planning. The chief minister also ordered strict monitoring of service road repairs, clean drinking water supply, beautification work and rural development programmes. Maryam Nawaz said all development projects must be completed within the stipulated timeframe and that people should not face any inconvenience due to ongoing work.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has initiated a comprehensive revision of the Lahore Division Master Plan 2050 to incorporate recent urban expansion and updated population figures, with officials indicating that the final draft is expected by the end of May. According to authorities, the revised master plan is likely to come into effect from the beginning of the next fiscal year 2026–27, starting July 1, subject to formal approval by the LDA’s governing body. LDA Chief Metropolitan Planner Muhammad Faisal Qureshi stated that the consultants who originally prepared the plan in 2022 are currently revising it in line with directives issued by the court. The updated version will reflect developments that have taken place over the past five to six years. He further explained that the revised draft is being developed based on the 2023 population census, replacing earlier projections that relied on 2017 data. The plan is expected to include newly developed built-up areas across Lahore and its adjoining districts, particularly within residential and mixed-use zones. The updated master plan will also incorporate major ongoing developments under initiatives such as the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), including areas within the Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project. Officials added that once the draft is completed, it will undergo review by the LDA, followed by a public hearing on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by the environment department. The plan is then expected to be presented for final approval in a governing body meeting scheduled for late June. At present, the LDA continues to operate under the amended Lahore Division Master Plan 2016 for approvals related to housing schemes and land subdivisions. The Master Plan 2050 was initially finalized in 2022 and approved by the provincial government at the time. However, its implementation was suspended by the Lahore High Court in January 2023 following legal challenges. Petitioners had raised concerns regarding alleged irregularities in the approval process and potential environmental implications. Subsequently, the court directed the LDA to review the plan. Although the authority had planned to seek input from relevant institutions, including environmental and planning bodies, the review process did not progress at that stage. Earlier this year, the LDA’s governing body approved the continuation of the revision process, including negotiations with consultants over an estimated cost of PKR 320 million. The Master Plan 2050 outlines Lahore’s long-term urban development strategy, including proposals for a new city centre in Gulberg and the expansion of urban boundaries to accommodate future population growth. It also provides planning frameworks for major urban settlements in Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and Kasur, aligning with policies of key urban development authorities across the region.