Lahore Division

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan Lahore is set to undergo a major beautification drive ahead of Basant 2027, with the Punjab government planning a citywide cultural and decorative makeover aimed at showcasing the provincial capital’s historic identity and traditional heritage. Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Bilal Yasin has directed the relevant authorities to finalise a comprehensive beautification and cultural plan for the upcoming Basant Festival. The initiative will be implemented under the supervision of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA). The minister chaired a meeting on Wednesday where PHA Director General Ahmad Usman Javed briefed officials on preparations for the festival and the proposed beautification activities across Lahore. Under the plan, major roads, city entry points and prominent heritage locations will receive special decorative treatment. The authorities are expected to install colourful themed floats, floral displays and vibrant lighting to create a festive atmosphere and highlight Lahore’s cultural character. Bilal Yasin said the government was working to transform Basant into a major cultural event that would provide citizens with healthy and quality entertainment while reviving the city’s traditional vibrancy. He said flowers, kites, lights and colourful cultural installations would form a central part of the city’s decorations. Special floats and exhibitions will also be established at different locations to showcase Lahore’s history, traditions and cultural heritage. The Walled City is expected to receive particular attention, with the minister seeking proposals for a grand cultural programme in the historic area. The initiative is aimed at linking the festival with Lahore’s historic identity and providing visitors with a broader cultural experience beyond kite-flying activities. Traditional food stalls featuring popular Lahori cuisine are also planned at selected locations. In addition, musicians and artists will perform live for the public as part of the cultural festivities. The PHA has been tasked with carrying out beautification work across the city, with preparations expected to focus on improving the visual appeal of key public spaces and creating a coordinated festive environment. The government has previously announced measures related to the revival of Basant, including preparations for regulating kite manufacturing and flying. The planned beautification campaign now adds a broader cultural dimension to the festival, with authorities seeking to present Lahore as a city of heritage, art, food and traditional celebrations. Officials said the overall objective is to revive Lahore’s cultural vibrancy while ensuring that Basant offers residents and visitors organised, attractive and family-oriented entertainment. With Basant 2027 preparations already moving forward, the proposed citywide makeover is expected to turn major public spaces and historic areas of Lahore into prominent cultural and festive landmarks during the celebrations.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Lahore High Court has sought a detailed response from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on a petition challenging the implementation of the electricity slab system and reported changes to existing facilities for lifeline consumers. Justice Khalid Ishaq heard the petition filed by citizen Ashba Kamran, in which NEPRA and other relevant authorities have been made respondents. The petitioner contended that, according to media reports, the government is considering abolishing the lifeline electricity slab, a move that could place an additional financial burden on low-consumption consumers. She argued that the existing slab-based billing system is causing serious difficulties for electricity consumers. According to the petition, consumers using up to 200 units are placed in the protected category; however, even a marginal increase in consumption can result in a substantial rise in their electricity bills under the slab system. The petitioner further claimed that, in some cases, electricity bills can increase to more than double the previous amount, while the impact of the additional billing continues for several months. She termed the mechanism a financial penalty on consumers and urged the court to examine its legality. The petition maintains that the existing implementation of the electricity slab system is inconsistent with the Constitution and applicable laws, and calls for a determination of its legal validity. The petitioner also requested that public-interest cases be scheduled for hearing on a priority basis after urgent matters, arguing that timely judicial intervention is necessary to address issues confronting electricity consumers. After the preliminary hearing, the Lahore High Court directed NEPRA to submit a detailed response. The regulator is expected to clarify its legal and administrative position on the slab based billing mechanism, the lifeline consumer category and the impact of the system on electricity bills at the next stage of proceedings.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Authorities have decided to further tighten enforcement of environmental regulations governing construction projects to curb air pollution and rising levels of dust in urban areas, directing developers, construction firms and contractors to strictly comply with prescribed dust-pollution control standard operating procedures (SOPs). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken notice of the spread of dust and soil from construction activities in Lahore and issued notices to the Lahore Development Authority (LDA). Environmental officials made it clear that all construction projects must ensure strict compliance with prescribed environmental requirements aimed at controlling dust and particulate pollution. According to officials, dust, soil and construction debris spilling from construction sites onto roads, residential areas and surrounding locations contribute to deteriorating air quality. Effective dust-control measures are therefore being made mandatory at construction sites. Under the new measures, construction sites will be required to install mist sprinkler systems to suppress airborne dust particles through fine water sprays. Contractors will also have to install barriers or screens at least 10 feet high around construction sites to prevent dust and soil from spreading into nearby areas. Environmental authorities have also issued strict instructions regarding vehicles transporting soil and construction debris. Such vehicles will be required to operate at reduced speeds and take effective precautionary measures to prevent construction material from spilling onto roads and surrounding areas. Officials warned that construction projects and contractors found violating prescribed dust-control regulations will face enforcement action, including fines. Experts say dust generated by construction activity is a significant contributor to urban air pollution, particularly in major cities where road works, housing developments, commercial buildings and infrastructure projects are expanding rapidly. The absence of effective dust-control systems at such sites can further worsen air quality. Authorities said stricter enforcement of environmental regulations is aimed not at restricting development activity but at reducing air pollution, dust levels and potential health risks in urban communities. The construction sector has been urged to ensure that development projects proceed alongside full compliance with environmental responsibilities.