LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Government of Punjab has introduced significant amendments to the Stamp Act 1899 by issuing the Stamp (Amendment) Ordinance 2026, under which stamp duty on property transactions has been substantially reduced, while the concept of an “Assignable Deed” has been formally recognized for the first time under law. The ordinance was issued through a special gazette notification on Friday and came into immediate effect. The ordinance was promulgated by the Governor of Punjab under Article 128(1) of the Constitution at a time when the provincial assembly was not in session, with the government stating that urgent legislation was necessary. According to the amendment, an “Assignable Deed” refers to an agreement through which a person transfers his rights, ownership, or interest in immovable property to another individual, along with the authority to further transfer it. Legal experts note that such transactions were previously taking place but lacked formal legal recognition. Under the ordinance, a new Article 11-AA has been inserted in the First Schedule, under which stamp duty on assignable deeds has been set at 1% of the property value for transfers made within one year, while transfers made after 12 months will be subject to a 2% duty. Officials stated that this measure will help regulate repeated property transactions. In a major relief, the government has reduced stamp duty in various provisions from 3% to 1%, thereby eliminating the disparity between urban and rural areas. Previously, urban areas were subject to a 1% duty, while rural areas were charged 3%. The statement of objects and reasons noted that the objective of these amendments is to simplify laws, reduce uncertainty and litigation, and lower transaction costs. Officials added that the reforms will help formalize property transactions, increase investor confidence, and promote transparency and investment in the real estate sector.

Lahore: Re News Pakistan Managing Director WASA, Ghufran Ahmed, visited the sewerage upgradation project in Chauburji Garden Estate. During the visit, Director Shazil Waqar briefed him on the project and stated that the upgradation of the sewerage system in Poonch House Colony and Chauburji Garden Estate is progressing rapidly, with approximately 50 percent of the work already completed. He further informed that sewerage pipelines of various sizes are being laid, and a modern pump house (lift station) will also be constructed as part of the project. The MD WASA directed that the project must be completed within the stipulated timeframe under all circumstances. He said that the completion of the project will resolve long standing sewerage issues in the area. He added that providing better drainage facilities to citizens remains a top priority for WASA Lahore.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Punjab’s flagship housing initiative, Apni Chhat Apna Ghar, continues to make significant progress, with interest-free loans worth Rs188 billion disbursed so far, enabling the completion of more than 87,000 houses across the province. The figures were shared during a review meeting chaired by Provincial Minister for Housing and Urban Development Bilal Yasin, where officials presented an updated overview of the programme’s performance and impact. Director General of the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA), Sikandar Zeeshan, briefed the minister on the ongoing implementation of the scheme. According to the briefing, the initiative has benefited nearly 133,990 families to date, providing crucial financial support for house construction. In addition to the completed units, around 45,000 houses are currently under construction, reflecting the programme’s continued momentum. Authorities also revealed that plans are underway to extend interest-free loans to approximately 18,000 more applicants in the upcoming phase. The programme has also demonstrated encouraging repayment trends, with beneficiaries collectively returning Rs9.67 billion in monthly instalments. Officials noted that this reflects improved financial discipline among recipients and strengthens the long term sustainability of the scheme. Addressing the meeting, Minister Bilal Yasin reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring affordable housing for low-income segments of society. He emphasized that access to dignified living conditions remains a top priority for the provincial administration. Highlighting key policy directions, the minister said that, on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, special focus is being placed on facilitating women, orphans, and other vulnerable groups under the scheme. He further added that the introduction of phased loan disbursement linked with construction progress has enhanced transparency, accountability, and effective utilisation of funds positioning Apni Chhat Apna Ghar as one of Punjab’s most impactful public welfare programmes.