LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has introduced a revised policy to provide significant relief to property owners facing penalties due to access area discrepancies, marking a major step toward addressing public concerns over high property related charges. Under the newly approved framework, penalties will now be calculated based on the property rates applicable at the time of plot allotment, rather than the prevailing DC rates. This shift is expected to substantially reduce the financial burden on plot owners who were previously subjected to higher penalties due to escalating property values over time. According to LDA officials, the policy was formulated after extensive deliberations led by the Director General and the Additional Director General (Housing). The decision reflects the authority’s effort to respond to persistent complaints from citizens regarding excessive and, in many cases, unfair financial demands during property transactions. Previously, in cases involving access area differences, whether excess or short , penalties were calculated using current market aligned DC rates. This often resulted in significantly higher costs, particularly in situations linked to No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and property transfer procedures. Property owners frequently argued that such charges imposed undue financial pressure, especially when discrepancies were not directly attributable to them. The revised policy ensures that all such charges, regardless of the nature of the discrepancy, will now be determined using the rates from the year in which the plot was originally allotted. This change replaces the earlier system based on present day valuations and is expected to bring greater fairness and transparency to the process. The policy has received formal approval from the LDA Governing Body, and official minutes have been issued, paving the way for its immediate implementation in all relevant cases. Observers believe the move will not only provide relief to affected citizens but also help restore confidence in the regulatory framework governing urban property transactions.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has made it mandatory for all property transactions to obtain a “Green Property Certificate” from July 2026, aiming to ensure transparency and curb fraud in the real estate sector. Issued by the Punjab Land Records Authority, the certificate confirms ownership, verifies legal status, and ensures that land records are fully aligned with official databases. Authorities believe the move will help reduce disputes and strengthen confidence in property dealings. Below is the stage-wise process introduced by the government: 1. Visit Arazi Record Center (ARC) Applicants must visit their nearest Arazi Record Center and obtain a token to initiate the process. 2. Submit Property Details & Pay Fee Complete property details are submitted along with a fee of Rs 950, payable through the Bank of Punjab or via the e-Pay system. 3. Identity Verification Verification is conducted using the applicant’s original CNIC, along with biometric authentication through the National Database and Registration Authority. Mobile number and personal data are also cross checked. 4. Ownership History Check Authorities review past ownership records and check for any disputes, outstanding taxes, or bank loans linked to the property. 5. Field Survey & Inspection A surveyor visits the site to measure the land using GPS technology and mark boundaries accurately. 6. Neighbour Verification Two registered neighboring property owners confirm the applicant’s ownership and possession. 7. Official Verification A Grade-17 officer or relevant revenue official verifies the case within the system. 8. Public Notice (15 Days) A notice is published on the PLRA website, allowing the public 15 days to raise objections. If none are received, the process continues. 9. Final Review An Assistant Director Land Records conducts a comprehensive review and completes two-level verification of all documents. 10. Certificate Issuance After approval, the property is granted “Green Status,” and the Green Property Certificate is issued as proof of secure ownership. Officials say this structured process marks a significant step toward digitization and transparency in Punjab’s land record system.

Lahore: Riaz Hussain ReNews On the directives of Director General LDA, Tahir Farooq, the Town Planning Wing of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has intensified its operations against illegal commercial buildings and defaulters of commercial fees. During a large scale operation carried out a day earlier, LDA teams sealed a total of 91 properties across various housing schemes and controlled areas. According to LDA officials, enforcement actions were undertaken in several localities including Gulberg, Peco Road, Gujjarpura, Gulshan Ravi, Samanabad, Mustafa Town, and private schemes along Bypass Road in Johar Town. A total of 28 properties were sealed in Gulberg and Peco Road for illegal commercial use, while 14 properties were sealed in a private housing scheme in Johar Town. Similarly, 32 properties in Gujjarpura, Gulshan Ravi, and Samanabad were sealed over non payment of commercial fees and unauthorized commercial activities. During a recovery operation, an additional 17 properties were sealed in Mustafa Town. The sealed premises include marriage halls, hospitals, private schools, bakeries, pharmacies, clinics, grocery stores, beauty salons, courier centers, workshops, restaurants, food outlets, shops, and offices. The operation was supervised by Chief Town Planner I Asad uz Zaman and Chief Town Planner II Azhar Ali. According to an LDA spokesperson, indiscriminate action against illegal commercial activities and fee defaulters will continue as per the directives of the DG LDA.