LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] Construction work on the Nila Gumbad remodelling and underground parking project is progressing at a steady pace, with officials stating that 80 percent of the grey structure has been completed, while overall progress has reached 60 percent. Punjab Secretary for Housing Noor ul Amin Mengal visited the Nila Gumbad project site and reviewed the ongoing construction work in detail. During the visit, DG Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Tahir Farooq and Chief Engineer TEPA Iqrar Hussain briefed him on the project’s progress. Officials said the piling phase has been completed, while construction of the underground structure has now entered its final stages. The project is being executed in accordance with prescribed standards and safety protocols. During the visit, the Secretary Housing issued strict instructions that no negligence or lapse in safety arrangements at the construction site will be tolerated. He emphasized that all necessary measures must be ensured for the safety and protection of workers and staff. He added that once completed, the project will help resolve the long-standing parking issues in the busy commercial area of Nila Gumbad, easing traffic congestion and improving facilities for citizens. Officials further noted that the project aims to preserve the historical character of the area while introducing modern urban infrastructure, making this key commercial hub more organized and accessible.

Lahore | Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan The DHA Estate Agents Association Lahore has issued its official notification for the Election 2026, introducing significant changes to electoral rules, fee structures, and candidate eligibility criteria. According to a statement issued by the association’s Secretary Information, Chaudhry Touqeer Asif, the revised framework includes stricter regulations governing voting rights, candidature eligibility, financial obligations, and the overall organisational structure of the association. He stated that elections will be held every two years in December. Only those members who are duly registered with DHA Lahore and have cleared all outstanding dues by September 30 will be eligible to vote or contest in the elections. Failure to meet the deadline will result in disqualification from both voting and candidature. The notification further states that several new financial and procedural conditions have been introduced for candidates, including deposits, donations, and educational requirements. Under the new rules, a non refundable deposit of Rs. 200,000 has been set for presidential or chief executive candidates, while successful candidates will be required to submit a donation of Rs 1,000,000. For vice president and secretary positions, the deposit has been fixed at Rs 100,000, with a post-election donation of Rs 500,000 for successful candidates. For other director-level positions, a deposit of Rs 50,000 will be required, along with a donation of Rs 100,000 upon success. According to the notification, nomination forms will be issued until October 30 and must be submitted within ten days of issuance. Each candidate must be supported by one proposer and one seconder. Under the election procedure, the 11 candidates securing the highest number of votes will be declared successful. In case of a tie, the decision will be made through a draw of lots. Ballot boxes will be opened immediately after polling, and final results will be announced within 48 hours. Strict Electoral Restrictions Introduced The new regulations clearly state that no member will be allowed to contest elections for more than two consecutive terms. Removal of ballot boxes from the polling station has been strictly prohibited, and any violation of rules may lead to disqualification of a candidate. It has also been stated that the election process will remain valid even if any member does not receive official notices or documents. Membership Rules and Fee Structure Revised A registration fee of Rs 10,000 will be required with each membership application, while the annual membership fee has also been set at Rs 10,000, subject to change with approval from the general body. All new applicants must submit a complete membership form and will be interviewed by a three-member committee. Applicants must also have a registered office or business premises. Only registered DHA Lahore members will be eligible to vote. According to the notification, membership will be suspended if dues remain unpaid for two years, while failure to pay for three consecutive years will result in termination of membership. Restoration will require payment of all outstanding dues and penalties. Under the revised election rules, a minimum graduate degree has been made mandatory for presidential candidates, while a minimum qualification of intermediate level has been set for candidates contesting the remaining 10 seats.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Faisal Ayub Khokhar inaugurated the Nawab Town Cricket Sports Complex in Lahore, a project completed at a cost of Rs 110 million aimed at providing youth with healthy and constructive recreational opportunities. The inauguration ceremony was attended by provincial ministers Bilal Yasin, Sohail Shaukat Butt, and Sher Ali Gorchani, along with Adviser to the Chief Minister Zeeshan Malik, Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi, and other senior officials. Speaking to the media on the occasion, Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that the sports complex is a gift from Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for sports enthusiasts in the area. He added that the facility has been equipped with modern amenities, including a jogging track, a dedicated playground, an air conditioned pavilion, and state of the art changing rooms. He further stated that the provincial government is actively pursuing a large scale sports development agenda, under which 188 multi purpose sports complexes are being constructed across Punjab. In addition, work on 1,000 playgrounds is also underway to promote sports at the grassroots level and encourage youth participation in positive activities. On the same occasion, an exhibition cricket match was played at the Nawab Town ground between Punjab Cabinet XI and Officers XI. The Punjab Cabinet XI delivered an impressive performance, defeating the Officers XI by 37 runs.