LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | Renews Pakistan The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) is rapidly advancing its embankment construction project along the River Ravi, aimed at mitigating flood risks while promoting urban development in the region. RUDA CEO Imran Amin visited Ravi City, including Phase 1 Packages 7 and 8, as well as Phase 3 Packages 16 to 19, where he reviewed the progress of ongoing development works. According to a RUDA spokesperson, a 46 kilometer long embankment is being constructed along both sides of the River Ravi, stretching from the siphon to Jhok Forest. Under the project, the river’s width will be maintained at one kilometer to ensure efficient water flow management. During the visit, Imran Amin directed officials to further expedite embankment construction work in Ravi City, while development activities across various packages are already progressing swiftly. RUDA officials stated that upon completion, the project will enable even large flood surges to pass smoothly, significantly reducing potential flood related damages in the future. Later, the CEO also visited Mahmood Booti and Charbagh projects. He was briefed at the front gate of Charbagh, where officials highlighted that the project is being connected to the Ring Road and Expressway, which will further improve accessibility to the area.

Lahore: [Re News Pakistan] An accident occurred during the expansion project of Data Darbar, after which the Communication and Works (C&W) Department removed the SDO and Sub-Engineer assigned to the project. According to details, a 40 year old man was killed when a building pillar collapsed during ongoing construction work a day earlier. Following the incident, the authorities took action and directed the suspended officers to report to the Communications and Works Department, Lahore. Those removed from their positions include Huzefa Hameed, Sub-Divisional Officer, Buildings Sub Division No. 22, Lahore, and Waseem Ali, Sub Engineer, Buildings Sub-Division No. 22, Lahore.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has introduced a series of amendments to property laws aimed at revitalising the struggling real estate sector, enhancing transparency, and stimulating economic activity across the province. Key among these reforms is the reduction of stamp duty on rural immovable property from 3% to 1%, bringing it in line with urban rates and eliminating long standing disparities. According to an official notification issued on April 10, the reforms also introduce the concept of an “assignable deed,” providing legal protection to agreements between private parties. Under the new framework, individuals can secure temporary ownership rights of a property for one year by paying a 1% stamp duty, and for two years with a 2% duty. Previously, such agreements often executed on low-value stamp papers lacked legal security, exposing both buyers and sellers to risk. Government officials say the measures are designed to simplify property laws, reduce litigation, and lower transaction costs, thereby encouraging formal registration of property transfers. By making transactions more affordable and transparent, the government expects to increase the volume of real estate activity while simultaneously boosting revenue collection. Punjab Board of Revenue Secretary (Tax) Anjum Riaz Sethi stated that the reforms are intended to revive the “dying” real estate sector and eliminate corruption within the revenue system. He noted that the uniform 1% stamp duty for both rural and urban properties would benefit developers, investors, and genuine buyers alike. He also highlighted that high registration costs had previously discouraged investment, leading to stagnation in the sector. Real estate stakeholders have welcomed the move, particularly developers and investors involved in housing schemes located in rural areas around major cities like Lahore. Industry experts believe the reduction in stamp duty will provide significant relief to buyers who had delayed property transfers due to higher costs, allowing them to regularise ownership at a lower rate. The government is also considering revising property valuation benchmarks, including DC rates, to better reflect market realities. Officials say these efforts are part of a broader strategy to attract both local and overseas Pakistani investors, many of whom have recently shown greater interest in foreign real estate markets. Overall, the reforms are expected to restore confidence in the property market, protect genuine investors, and create a more transparent and efficient system for property transactions in Punjab.