LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan] The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has announced a new policy designed to provide significant relief to property owners by revising the method used to calculate penalties in property transfer and No Objection Certificate (NOC) cases. Under the updated framework, penalties related to access area adjustments will now be calculated based on the property rate at the time of the plot’s original allotment, rather than the prevailing District Collector (DC) rates. The move is expected to substantially reduce the financial burden on applicants. The decision follows a series of special working sessions led by LDA Director General Tahir Farooq and the Additional Director General (Housing), during which a comprehensive policy structure was developed. Previously, property owners were required to pay hefty penalties when applying for NOCs or transferring ownership. These charges were calculated by factoring in access area changes and applying current market linked rates, often resulting in significantly inflated costs. Citizens had repeatedly raised concerns over what they described as unjustified charges and procedural difficulties, particularly in cases where applicants were not responsible for discrepancies in access areas. According to the new policy, whether the access area increases or decreases, the applicable rate will be determined based on the year the plot was originally allotted. Officials say this change will bring greater fairness and transparency to the process. The policy has received formal approval from the LDA Governing Body, and official directives have been issued to ensure its immediate implementation.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has formally launched the “Apna Khet Apna Rozgar Scheme” to support unemployed and landless individuals. According to Provincial Information Minister Azma Bukhari, the initiative aims to generate employment opportunities in rural areas while strengthening the agricultural sector. She stated that the government had previously introduced projects such as “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” and the distribution of free plots to homeless individuals. The new scheme, she added, is designed to promote self sufficiency in the agricultural domain. Bukhari highlighted that the programme is a flagship initiative of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, expected to not only enhance agricultural productivity but also provide employment to thousands. Under the scheme, landless rural residents will be allocated land along with financial assistance ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 250,000. She further revealed that land worth a total of Rs160 billion is being distributed, which will be used exclusively for farming purposes. The provincial minister also noted that the government has already taken several steps to facilitate farmers, including the provision of Kisan Cards, green tractors, super seeders, and solarisation of tube wells. As a result of these measures, Punjab has achieved a record wheat production. She emphasized that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has made agriculture development and farmers' prosperity a top priority.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has taken a major and historic step towards the promotion of the film industry in the province by deciding to establish the Punjab Film City Authority. In this regard, the Punjab Film City Authority Act 2025 has been tabled in the Punjab Assembly, under which the sectors of film production, drama, and documentary filmmaking will be structured and modernized. Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has shown deep interest in the project and directed the concerned authorities to establish Punjab’s first Film City, Film Studio, Post Production Lab, and Pakistan’s first Film School. It has also been approved that land for these facilities will be allocated within the “Nawaz Sharif IT City,” while progress on design and other administrative matters was also reviewed. For the revival and promotion of the film industry, an eight member special committee has also been constituted, which will provide financial assistance and grants to filmmakers. Following cabinet approval, a formal notification has already been issued in this regard. The committee is being headed by Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, while Information Minister Azma Zahid Bokhari, Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman, and Minister for Human Rights & Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora are among its members, along with senior officials of relevant departments. The committee will decide on filmmakers’ applications, production of new films, scripts of incomplete projects, fund allocation, eligibility criteria, and box office incentives. Meanwhile, under the Punjab Film City Authority Act 2025, a comprehensive licensing and regulatory framework will be introduced, ensuring facilitation for filmmakers through a one window operation system. According to the bill, the authority will be financially supported by the Government of Punjab, while special incentives will also be offered to promote local and foreign investment. The bill further states that through film, drama, and documentaries, Punjab’s culture, tourism, and positive image will be promoted at national and international levels. The proposed bill has been referred to the relevant committee for two months, which will submit its report. Following this, it will be presented to the Punjab Assembly for final approval.