Lahore Division

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Punjab is bracing for its ninth and final monsoon spell, with heavy rainfall forecast across several districts from September 13 to September 17, prompting authorities to issue warnings about urban flooding and landslides. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has identified Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala and Faisalabad among the major Punjab cities at risk of urban flooding during the latest spell. The authority has warned that intense rainfall could place additional pressure on drainage systems and cause water accumulation, particularly in low-lying and vulnerable urban areas. According to the PDMA, the intensity of rainfall could exceed the capacity of drainage networks in some locations, increasing the risk of temporary flooding on roads, in residential areas and at other vulnerable points. The authority has also issued a landslide warning for Murree, the Galiyat region and other mountainous areas of Punjab. Persistent or heavy rainfall in these areas could destabilise slopes and create risks for residents, motorists and tourists travelling through mountainous routes. Authorities have advised people living in flood-prone and landslide-sensitive areas to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel during intense rainfall and follow official weather and emergency advisories. The latest monsoon activity is not limited to Punjab. Several districts of Sindh are also expected to receive rainfall. Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Hyderabad and Khairpur are forecast to experience rain from the evening of September 13 through September 16. Karachi is also expected to receive rainfall from September 14 through September 16, raising the possibility of water accumulation and disruption in vulnerable parts of the city. With the monsoon season approaching its final spell, disaster management authorities have urged relevant departments to maintain preparedness, monitor vulnerable locations and ensure timely response in the event of flooding, landslides or other weather related emergencies.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Punjab has intensified measures to eliminate the involvement of private individuals in the patwari system, while a crackdown by the Anti-Corruption Establishment has triggered protests by patwaris in several districts, leading to the closure of patwar khanas and causing difficulties for citizens. In the Rawalpindi Division, the Anti-Corruption Establishment has taken action against private clerks working with patwaris inside patwar khanas and registered cases against several individuals. Officials said no private person is allowed to operate from a patwar khana, deal with citizens, or collect money in exchange for land records, fards or other official documents. Anti-corruption authorities have made it clear that patwaris must perform their official duties themselves. Following the crackdown, patwaris in Rawalpindi stopped work in protest, affecting land-record services, issuance of fards, property transactions and other related matters. According to media reports, patwar khanas in Lahore and several other parts of Punjab remained closed for seven consecutive days, forcing citizens to make repeated visits to government offices for routine land-record and property-related services. It is worth noting that the relocation of patwar khanas to government buildings in Punjab is not a new development. In March 2022, reports said patwar khanas in 36 districts and 145 tehsils of Punjab had been shifted to government buildings.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Director General Lahore Development Authority Taha Farooq visited Bhati Chowk, Inner Circular Road and Lahore Railway Station to review progress on various ongoing development projects. The LDA DG inspected development work around the outer area of Data Darbar and Bhati Chowk. TEPA Chief Engineer Iqrar Hussain and LDA Chief Engineer Israr Saeed briefed him on the progress of the projects. Officials said the pedestrian underpass outside Data Darbar has been completed, while development work on the parking area and toilet block is in its final finishing stages. Landscaping and green-area development around Bhati Chowk is also nearing completion, while a dedicated resting area for workers is expected to be completed soon. Taha Farooq also reviewed traffic flow at Hazrat Ali Hajveri Underpass and inspected a pilot project for the upgrading and improvement of property facades along the Inner Circular Road. Later, the LDA DG visited Lahore Railway Station and adjoining areas, where he reviewed work on Ek Moriya and Do Moriya bridges, the railway wall and Circular Road. The LDA chief engineer briefed him that installation of the dancing fountain at Azadi Chowk is nearing completion. A dedicated resting area has also been established outside the railway station for porters. According to officials, encroachments underneath the Sheranwala Flyover have been removed and a landscaped seating area has been developed at the site. The LDA DG directed officials to ensure regular water sprinkling around development sites and stressed maintaining cleanliness and a better environment during the execution of ongoing projects.