Lahore Division

Lahore : Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan The Awami Business Group, a prominent business group representing the real estate dealers' community in DHA Lahore, held its first formal meeting regarding the upcoming elections of the DHA Estate Agents Association. The gathering took place at a club in DHA Phase I, where nearly 50 registered real estate dealers announced their decision to join the group. Awami Business Group Chairman Shahan Sheikh, President Farooq Sheikh, General Secretary Asad Mirza, senior leader Aqeel Abbas Malik, Shoaib Khokhar and other prominent members welcomed the newly inducted dealers and presented them with floral garlands. Addressing the gathering, Chairman Shahan Sheikh invited other groups within the real estate community to join forces with the Awami Business Group ahead of the elections. He announced that the group's existing governing body would be dissolved following the Annual General Meeting (AGM), after which future decisions would be made through consultation and majority consensus. Sheikh said the group would formulate its election strategy collectively, including deciding whether to support another group in the upcoming elections or contest independently with full preparations. Speaking on the occasion, General Secretary Asad Mirza declared, "The party has just begun, and we will continue to deliver surprises every week." He described the Awami Business Group as an ideology-driven organisation committed to the welfare, prosperity and collective interests of the real estate community. Mirza maintained that traditional electoral considerations, including personal friendships, family affiliations, community loyalties and financial influence, would not determine the outcome of the upcoming elections. "This time, neither traditional practices nor friendships, community affiliations or money will influence the elections," he said. Welcoming the newly inducted realtors, Mirza expressed confidence that the group's growing strength and expanding support would play a significant role in the forthcoming electoral contest. Senior leader Aqeel Abbas Malik said nearly 50 registered voters had formally joined the Awami Business Group during the meeting, describing the development as an encouraging sign of growing confidence in the organisation. He announced that the group would continue to make significant announcements on a weekly basis as election-related activities gained momentum. "We have received the support of nearly 50 registered voters today, and, God willing, we will continue to deliver surprises every week," Malik said. The meeting concluded with a dinner hosted for participants and newly inducted members. Several attendees expressed confidence in the Awami Business Group's standing within the DHA real estate community, saying its reputation, organisational strength and growing support could enable it to play a decisive role in the upcoming DHA Estate Agents Association elections. Clarify the election meeting timeline Reduce repeated election announcements Use a more neutral election tone

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan Construction of the Neela Gumbad and Nasir Bagh parking plazas in Lahore has reached an advanced stage, with approximately 60 to 70 percent of work completed. However, a funding shortfall of Rs 800 million has raised concerns over the timely completion of both projects, which are scheduled to be completed in October 2026. The two parking facilities are being developed as part of the Punjab government's efforts to improve parking infrastructure, address parking shortages and facilitate motorists in some of Lahore's busiest commercial and historic areas. According to officials of the Traffic Engineering and Transport Planning Agency (TEPA), the grey structures of both parking plazas have been completed, while construction activities have progressed to the finishing stage. Officials said an additional Rs 800 million was required to complete the remaining work, including the procurement of imported equipment and materials essential for the final stages of construction. The shortage of funds has emerged as a major obstacle to completing the projects within their scheduled timeframe, despite substantial progress in structural development. TEPA officials disclosed that the agency had repeatedly approached the Punjab government and the relevant Walled City authorities through official correspondence, requesting the immediate release of the outstanding funds. The agency has emphasised the urgency of the financial requirements, particularly the need to place orders for imported items and complete the remaining finishing work without further delays. However, despite repeated requests and reminders, the concerned authorities have yet to release the required amount, creating uncertainty over whether the two parking facilities can become operational within the originally planned timeframe. Officials maintained that both projects could still be completed according to schedule if the outstanding funds were released promptly, enabling contractors to proceed with the necessary procurement and remaining construction activities. They warned that any further delay in the availability of financial resources could affect the October 2026 completion deadline. The Neela Gumbad and Nasir Bagh parking plazas are among the Punjab government's priority infrastructure development projects, aimed at expanding organised parking facilities and improving urban traffic management in Lahore. The facilities are expected to help address parking difficulties in surrounding commercial and historic districts by providing dedicated spaces for vehicles and reducing reliance on roadside parking. Despite considerable progress in construction, the unresolved funding shortfall remains a significant challenge for both projects. Their timely completion now largely depends on the Punjab government's ability to ensure the immediate release of the remaining Rs 800 million required for procurement, finishing work and other essential project activities.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan Construction of the Neela Gumbad and Nasir Bagh parking plazas in Lahore has reached an advanced stage, with approximately 60 to 70 percent of work completed. However, a funding shortfall of Rs 800 million has raised concerns over the timely completion of both projects, which are scheduled to be completed in October 2026. The two parking facilities are being developed as part of the Punjab government's efforts to improve parking infrastructure, address parking shortages and facilitate motorists in some of Lahore's busiest commercial and historic areas. According to officials of the Traffic Engineering and Transport Planning Agency (TEPA), the grey structures of both parking plazas have been completed, while construction activities have progressed to the finishing stage. Officials said an additional Rs 800 million was required to complete the remaining work, including the procurement of imported equipment and materials essential for the final stages of construction. The shortage of funds has emerged as a major obstacle to completing the projects within their scheduled timeframe, despite substantial progress in structural development. TEPA officials disclosed that the agency had repeatedly approached the Punjab government and the relevant Walled City authorities through official correspondence, requesting the immediate release of the outstanding funds. The agency has emphasised the urgency of the financial requirements, particularly the need to place orders for imported items and complete the remaining finishing work without further delays. However, despite repeated requests and reminders, the concerned authorities have yet to release the required amount, creating uncertainty over whether the two parking facilities can become operational within the originally planned timeframe. Officials maintained that both projects could still be completed according to schedule if the outstanding funds were released promptly, enabling contractors to proceed with the necessary procurement and remaining construction activities. They warned that any further delay in the availability of financial resources could affect the October 2026 completion deadline. The Neela Gumbad and Nasir Bagh parking plazas are among the Punjab government's priority infrastructure development projects, aimed at expanding organised parking facilities and improving urban traffic management in Lahore. The facilities are expected to help address parking difficulties in surrounding commercial and historic districts by providing dedicated spaces for vehicles and reducing reliance on roadside parking. Despite considerable progress in construction, the unresolved funding shortfall remains a significant challenge for both projects. Their timely completion now largely depends on the Punjab government's ability to ensure the immediate release of the remaining Rs 800 million required for procurement, finishing work and other essential project activities.