LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan The Government of Punjab has enforced a comprehensive legal framework to protect urban infrastructure, public property, and essential facilities across residential, commercial, and road networks. Under the Punjab Public Utilities Infrastructure Protection Ordinance 2026, theft, illegal removal, possession, transport, or sale of public infrastructure components such as manhole covers, streetlights, and protective barriers has been formally declared a criminal offence. The ordinance was promulgated with the approval of Sardar Salim Haider Khan on February 19 under Article 128(1) of the Constitution, as the provincial assembly was not in session and immediate legal intervention was deemed necessary. The law applies throughout Punjab and aims to safeguard urban assets that are critical for public safety, mobility, and the functioning of residential and commercial areas. According to the ordinance, theft of public infrastructure has been declared a non-bailable offence, carrying penalties ranging from one to three years imprisonment along with fines between PKR 200,000 and PKR 3 million, or both. Illegal removal, possession, purchase, or sale of such infrastructure components may also result in imprisonment and fines ranging from PKR 500,000 to PKR 3 million. Strict regulatory controls have also been imposed on scrap dealers and rerolling plants. These entities are only permitted to handle infrastructure materials that have been permanently deformed and rendered unusable. Violations may result in imprisonment of up to three years, fines up to PKR 1 million, or higher penalties in severe cases. The ordinance places clear legal responsibilities on government departments, utility service providers, and local authorities to ensure the protection, inspection, and maintenance of infrastructure across roads, housing areas, and public spaces. Authorities are required to maintain proper records and keep reserve stock to ensure immediate replacement of damaged or missing infrastructure. In cases where infrastructure is missing or damaged, relevant authorities must immediately secure the site with safety barriers and warning signs and ensure timely restoration or replacement. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action against responsible officials. Enforcement authorities have been granted powers to inspect premises, obtain records, seize illegal materials, and seal facilities involved in violations. A whistleblower mechanism has also been introduced to encourage public reporting, strengthening the protection of urban property and ensuring safer and more secure living environments across Punjab.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has announced a major change in the electricity payment system for urban and residential users. Effective April 1, 2026, payments will no longer be accepted through the postal network. Consumers are required to utilize authorized alternatives, including banks, digital banking platforms, mobile applications, and QR code-based payment systems. Company officials stated that the move aims to modernize payment procedures, improve efficiency, and enhance transparency in financial transactions across residential and commercial areas. Property administrators, housing societies, apartment complexes, and commercial building managers will need to adapt their payment processes to comply with the updated system. Urban development and property experts note that this initiative supports the adoption of digital financial systems within city infrastructure, promoting better record-keeping and accountability. Property owners and residents are advised to make timely payments through authorized channels to avoid service disruptions. LESCO emphasized that authorized banks, online banking portals, mobile wallets, and QR code-based payments will remain fully operational. Residents and commercial property managers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these alternative channels before the April 1 deadline to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and smooth financial management for their properties.

Lahore: Hasnain Aulakh, Special Correspondent | ReNews Pakistan The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have reaffirmed their commitment to transforming the provincial capital into Pakistan’s first child-friendly city. UNICEF Punjab Chief Ramez Bahboodov visited the LDA Headquarter in Lahore, where he met with LDA Vice Chairman Mian Marghoob Ahmed and Director General Tahir Farooq. During the meeting, discussions focused on integrating facilities that support children’s healthy development and physical activity into the city’s broader urban planning and development framework. Participants reviewed proposals aimed at positioning Lahore as a model child friendly city, emphasizing inclusive urban spaces, accessible parks, and recreational facilities for children. UNICEF representatives appreciated LDA’s ongoing initiatives to develop parks and sports facilities tailored to young residents. A detailed briefing was presented by Director Vice Chairman Cell Ubaid Iqbal and Director Metropolitan Ayesha Mutahir. The meeting was also attended by UNICEF Social Policy and Development Specialist Abdul Rehman Cheema, the Chief Metropolitan Planner, Chief Town Planner II, Chief IT Officer, and other senior officials. Speaking on the occasion, Ramez Bahboodov remarked that although he hails from Azerbaijan, Lahore holds a special place in his heart. He expressed satisfaction over the international standard development initiatives underway in the city. Both sides agreed to formalize their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the near future, marking a significant step toward embedding child focused policies into Lahore’s urban development agenda.