LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Government of Punjab has implemented a coordinated urban enhancement program across major cities to mark the arrival of Ramazan, installing illuminated decorative structures and lighting systems along critical public corridors and commercial districts. The initiative covers prominent urban routes, key intersections, mosques, and commercial centres in major metropolitan areas, including Lahore, with the objective of improving the functional visibility and structural appeal of designated public and commercial zones. These installations have been strategically placed to reinforce the usability and prominence of high-traffic urban locations. Officials stated that the illumination of major road networks and commercial clusters enhances the operational efficiency of urban infrastructure by improving nighttime accessibility and supporting continued economic and commercial activity during extended evening hours in Ramazan. The upgraded visual environment is also expected to improve the overall perception and attractiveness of organized urban spaces. Urban development observers noted that such infrastructure-based beautification initiatives contribute to strengthening the structural value and functional viability of public and commercial real estate zones. Improved lighting and visual presentation enhance the usability of public corridors and increase the commercial appeal of retail clusters and mixed-use areas. The province-wide program reflects a broader urban management strategy focused on improving the structural environment of public spaces, reinforcing organized city planning, and maximizing the functional and economic potential of key urban land assets. Authorities indicated that similar infrastructure-focused enhancements may continue as part of long-term efforts to modernize and optimize urban real estate environments across Punjab.

Lahore: Hasnain Aulakh, Special Correspondent | Re News Pakistan A meeting of the Departmental Development Working Party (DDWP) was held under the chairmanship of Director General PHATA, Khawaja Muhammad Sikandar Zeeshan. Representatives from the Housing, Urban Development & Public Health Engineering (HUD&PHED), Planning & Development (P&D), and Finance departments attended the session. The meeting conducted a detailed review of development proposals aimed at upgrading various housing schemes under PHATA. The PC-I documents for the upgradation initiatives were examined, with thorough deliberations on their technical and financial aspects. Speaking on the occasion, DG PHATA Sikandar Zeeshan stated that the projects would generate sustainable revenue streams and create new avenues for the institution’s long-term financial stability. He added that the upgradation initiatives are expected to significantly improve infrastructure and enhance residential facilities. The measures, he emphasized, form part of a broader strategy to increase the value of PHATA’s assets while ensuring improved service delivery.

Lahore: Husnain Aulakh, Special Correspondent Director General of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), Tahir Farooq conducted visits to various parts of the city to review ongoing development and upgradation initiatives. The DG carried out a detailed inspection of Ferozepur Road from Chungi Amar Sidhu to Kalma Chowk. He also reviewed development works underway under the sustainable development model along Khayaban-e-Jinnah in Johar Town. During the visit, Tahir Farooq directed the NESPAK team to prepare remodeling designs for the areas outside General Hospital, Children’s Hospital and Gulab Devi Hospital to improve traffic flow, pedestrian facilities and overall urban outlook. He further instructed authorities to remove encroachments in front of properties along Ferozepur Road and to ensure facade upgradation in accordance with approved urban design standards. Speaking on the occasion, the DG LDA stated that work is in progress on upgrading footpaths and adjacent properties around key junctions on Khayaban-e-Jinnah under a sustainable urban development model. He directed that, in coordination with the district administration, encroachments and illegal parking be eliminated to ensure smooth traffic movement. A sample façade upgradation model for properties along Ferozepur Road was also ordered to be installed for review. Later, the DG LDA visited Main Boulevard Garden Town and Khurshid Kasuri Road to assess development conditions. The Project Director, Director Architecture and other concerned officials accompanied him during the inspections.