Lahore Division

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has amended the Punjab Private Educational Institutions Act to bring home based tuition centres, coaching centres and academies operating in residential areas under the definition of private educational institutions and the tax system. Under the Punjab Private Educational Institutions Act 2026, tuition centres run from homes, including those operated by women and girls, along with small coaching centres and neighbourhood academies, will now be recognised as private educational institutions. The amended law states that buildings and properties used by these institutions will fall under the property tax regime, while electricity and water connections will be treated as commercial. Small private schools operating in residential areas will also come under the tax system, regardless of whether they are registered or unregistered. The decision has received criticism from the All Pakistan Private Schools Colleges Association, which has called for the withdrawal of the amendment. The association said the move could particularly affect women and girls who provide home based tuition to a limited number of students to support their household incomes. It added that treating small scale tuition centres as commercial establishments could increase property and utility related expenses and create additional pressure on low income families. The association has urged the Punjab government to reconsider commercial taxes and property related charges on home based tuition centres.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government is considering a new model for modern public transportation while exploring the revival of intercity railway routes to improve connectivity and provide better travel facilities across the province. The details of Punjab’s upcoming public transport projects were shared during a special lecture delivered by Punjab Transport Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch at Pakistan Railway Academy Walton. The lecture was arranged on the invitation of Director General Pakistan Railway Academy Muhammad Hanif Gul, where the Transport Secretary briefed under training officers about the province’s ongoing and planned transport initiatives. During the session, Imran Sikandar Baloch highlighted several major projects, including light rail, electric buses, bus tram services, underground transport corridors, Air Punjab and the restoration of intercity railway routes. He said the proposed transport initiatives are aimed at improving mobility, strengthening connections between cities and introducing modern travel solutions for citizens. The provincial government is reviewing different options to develop an efficient public transport network that can meet future transportation needs and reduce pressure on existing road infrastructure. The possible revival of intercity railway services is also being considered to provide passengers with a reliable and affordable mode of transportation between different regions. Officials said technical and operational aspects of these projects are being examined before further decisions are made.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Punjab Energy Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar has directed the provincial energy department to accelerate the solarisation of public buildings, including schools, colleges and Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) hospitals, while improving electrical safety inspections across government institutions. Chairing a departmental review meeting, the minister emphasized that energy security and electrical safety must move together, particularly in sensitive public facilities such as hospitals and educational buildings. He directed officials to strengthen inspection, monitoring and safety mechanisms for electrical systems to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure safer working environments. The meeting reviewed progress on the Chief Minister Punjab Free Solar Panel Initiative, which is approaching completion with final verification activities currently underway. Officials also briefed the minister on the ongoing solarisation of public higher secondary schools, colleges and THQ hospitals, including updates on grid connectivity and electricity metering systems. Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said the solarisation of public buildings would help reduce electricity expenses, promote renewable energy adoption and improve the long-term efficiency and sustainability of government facilities. He directed officials to ensure that all solar energy projects meet high standards of quality, transparency, timely completion and operational effectiveness. The minister stressed that modern energy solutions should provide sustainable benefits while supporting better management of public resources. The meeting also discussed the proposed establishment of an Energy Sector Policy and Implementation Unit (ESPIU) under the Energy Secretary. The proposed unit would focus on policy development, market analysis, tariff planning and strategies for Punjab’s transition toward a modern and sustainable energy sector. Officials also reviewed proposals aimed at making the electrical licensing and regulatory framework more transparent, efficient and technology-based. Discussions included the involvement of licensed electrical contractors in commercial and industrial inspections, third-party technical audits and the establishment of an appeals mechanism. Progress on several other initiatives, including Net Zero Energy Buildings, the Bio-fertilizer Plant, SAVE UP Punjab and the Garmala Block, was also reviewed during the meeting. The energy minister directed officers to maintain transparency, quality, merit and timely execution across all departmental projects, saying that these initiatives would play an important role in modernising Punjab’s energy infrastructure and strengthening sustainable development across the province.