Lahore Division

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has proposed a Rs 4.23 billion residential project in Lahore to provide housing for government officials, featuring 24 two bedroom apartments along with a range of high-end recreational and administrative facilities. The project has been included in the province's Annual Development Programme for the fiscal year 2026-27 and is planned on 60 kanals and one marla of government owned land along Burki Road in Lahore Cantonment. According to official project documents, the Services and General Administration Department has proposed the construction of 24 two bedroom apartments for government officials. The main residential building will comprise a basement, ground floor and six additional floors. The estimated construction cost of the building stands at more than Rs 2.05 billion. The proposed complex will include several high end facilities, including a VIP gym, library, indoor games area, seminar room, VIP executive lounge and café. A separate convention hall measuring approximately 40,246 square feet is also part of the project. The estimated cost of the convention hall has been put at Rs 547.2 million. The scheme also includes extensive parking facilities, with space planned for 164 cars and 47 motorcycles. In addition, a separate basement parking facility has been proposed for 26 vehicles. Several other components account for a significant portion of the project's estimated cost. These include more than Rs 145.1 million for generators, over Rs 55.4 million for a solar power system and approximately Rs 335.8 million for external development works. The project also allocates more than Rs 152.1 million for furniture, while Rs 10 million has been proposed for gym equipment. However, the proposed cost and specifications have come under scrutiny from the Planning and Development Department's technical wing. Officials have raised concerns over the overall financial size of the project and questioned the need for imported construction materials and several expensive facilities. The technical wing has called for a detailed review of projected expenditures on elevators, heating and cooling systems, generators, solar installations, backup power arrangements and other costly components. The Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) also reviewed the scheme and considered the estimated cost of more than Rs 4.23 billion to be excessive. Officials raised particular concerns about the proposed basement parking facility for 26 vehicles, arguing that it could result in an expensive and inefficient use of available resources. The department has consequently been directed to examine the possibility of replacing the basement parking with surface parking. Officials noted that adequate space is reportedly available at the proposed site for such an arrangement. Despite the concerns over cost and design, the proposed residential complex is expected to be completed within 24 months once approved and formally launched. The project remains subject to further review of its design, cost estimates and individual components before final approval and implementation.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Lake City Lahore has launched a free internal community train service for residents, students and employees, introducing a modern facility that is being described as a first of its kind in a private housing scheme in Pakistan. Under the new service, two trackless trains are operating daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, connecting different important locations within the housing development. The community train service provides transportation facilities between key points including the Raiwind Road Gate, Ring Road Gate, Lake City Mall, Grand Mosque and the central roundabout. The initiative aims to improve internal mobility within the large residential development and reduce dependence on private vehicles for short distance travel. According to Lake City Lahore, security arrangements and surveillance cameras have been installed in the trains to ensure a safe travel environment for passengers. The community transport service has been introduced to improve connectivity between residential, commercial, educational and recreational areas within the development. Lake City Lahore is a modern mixed use development featuring residential and commercial areas, a mall, educational facilities, parks and a golf course.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The appointment of several officers and officials in the Punjab Revenue Department who are facing corruption cases to key positions has come to light, prompting concern among anti corruption authorities. According to official data, the Anti Corruption Establishment (ACE) registered 69 cases against officers and officials of the Revenue Department in the Gujranwala Region from January 1, 2026. The data shows that departmental action, including suspension, was taken in only 24 of these cases, while no action was reported in 39 cases. Another six nominated officials have either retired or passed away. Anti corruption authorities have expressed concern over the failure to take timely departmental action against the officials concerned despite the registration of cases. According to officials, it has been decided to raise the matter before the Chief Secretary of Punjab so that further action can be taken. On the other hand, the Board of Revenue has maintained that the mere registration of an FIR does not establish an officer as guilty. It said disciplinary action can only be taken after legal proceedings are completed and the offence is proven. According to the Board of Revenue, departmental measures are taken in accordance with all legal requirements and prescribed procedures. No officer or official can be declared guilty merely on the basis of the registration of a case. Sources said that the continued presence of some revenue officers, Naib Tehsildars and Patwaris in government positions despite facing anti corruption cases has raised questions about the accountability system within the department. Anti corruption authorities say that, for effective action against corruption, timely departmental measures are necessary alongside the registration of cases to ensure public confidence in the accountability process.