Lahore Division

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) has intensified efforts to recover Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) state properties allegedly occupied through encroachments and administrative negligence. Committee Chairman Senator Asad Qasim said weak administrative oversight had contributed to the encroachment of state land, stressing that illegally occupied properties would be recovered. He also announced that records of AJK-owned properties would be fully digitised to strengthen monitoring and protect valuable state assets. Senator Qasim personally inspected AJK state properties in Lahore in July, while Senate records show that the committee also visited state properties near the Wagah Border on July 17. The issue has also been referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), with a complaint filed against the relevant administrator. The committee has directed officials to provide regular updates on progress made towards recovering and securing the properties. The committee has ordered comprehensive measures to prevent further encroachments, including geotagging of all AJK state properties, complete digitisation of ownership and administrative records, clear demarcation of boundaries and construction of boundary structures wherever required. Administrator Adnan Khan informed the committee that geofencing of AJK state land had already been completed and the rent-collection system had also been digitised. He said 36 personnel were currently available to monitor AJK properties across Punjab. The scale of AJK's property holdings in Punjab is substantial. The state owns 1,057 acres of agricultural land in Mauza Jangu Chak, Narowal, and another 906 acres in Mauza Purab, Sheikhupura. Its holdings also include approximately 242 kanals of commercial land in Lahore, besides properties located in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Sialkot and Gujranwala. Collectively, these properties generate around Rs280.98 million, or Rs28.098 crore, in annual lease income, making their protection important not only from an administrative and legal perspective but also for safeguarding a significant source of public revenue. The committee observed that delays in dealing with encroached state land can make recovery increasingly difficult, particularly when disputes move between courts and government departments. It therefore emphasised stronger coordination, accurate property records and effective field monitoring to prevent illegal occupation from becoming entrenched. Senator Asad Qasim said the committee would submit recommendations to the federal government aimed at strengthening the protection of AJK state land, eliminating encroachments and improving coordination among institutions responsible for managing the properties.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan A plan has been initiated to further improve, restore and beautify 6,500 acres of green areas across 20 districts of Punjab following the direction of the Chief Minister Punjab. The initiative will focus on better maintenance and management of existing green spaces across the province. The 20 horticulture agencies operating in the province collectively manage thousands of acres of green areas. Efforts are now being made to improve the upkeep and overall appearance of these spaces through better management and modern horticulture practices. Under the initiative, attention will also be given to improving the quality and management of nurseries operated by the horticulture agencies. Better nursery standards are expected to support the availability of quality plants and strengthen the province’s broader landscaping and beautification efforts. Authorities are also considering the introduction of modern machinery and technology in place of traditional methods used for horticulture and beautification activities. The use of modern equipment could improve the speed, efficiency and quality of maintenance work. The horticulture agencies also have significant potential to increase their revenue through improved management of their available resources. As part of the proposed reforms, the revenue collection process is being considered for digitisation to make collections more transparent, efficient and easier to monitor. Improved management of the 6,500 acres of green areas is expected to contribute to better urban environments, increased greenery and more attractive public spaces across the participating districts. Officials are also focusing on greater use of technology and digital systems in horticulture management. Such measures could reduce reliance on manual processes, improve operational efficiency and strengthen monitoring of activities carried out by the relevant agencies. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance urban beautification, improve public green spaces and strengthen horticulture management across Punjab through modern and more efficient systems.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has launched a province wide enforcement operation against environmental violations, directing authorities to intensify monitoring and take strict action against individuals, businesses and vehicles found violating environmental regulations. The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, where officials reviewed ongoing enforcement measures under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s “Clean Lahore, Healthy Punjab” programme. During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that enforcement agencies had already taken action against a number of environmental violations across the province. Notices were issued to 18 units, while four units were sealed over violations of environmental regulations. Authorities also intensified action against construction-related violations, sealing six sites for failing to comply with applicable environmental requirements. Enforcement measures were further extended to polythene use, with 36 locations sealed for violations linked to the use of prohibited plastic materials. The operation also targeted vehicles contributing to air pollution. Officials reported that 10 smoke-emitting vehicles were impounded, while 24 challans were issued against violators. A further 24 vehicles were sealed as part of the enforcement drive against excessive smoke emissions and environmental violations. The provincial government has now decided to broaden the operation to other parts of Punjab and strengthen field monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental laws. Officials have been directed to maintain closer surveillance of industrial, commercial, construction and transport-related activities that could contribute to air pollution and other environmental hazards. The decision assumes added importance ahead of the crop-harvesting season, when increased agricultural activity can contribute to deteriorating air quality if environmental regulations are not properly enforced. The government is also expected to intensify inspections and enforcement as part of its efforts to control pollution and improve environmental conditions across major urban and rural areas of Punjab. The latest measures reflect the provincial administration’s broader effort to move beyond Lahore and establish stronger province-wide mechanisms for identifying environmental violations, issuing notices, sealing non-compliant sites and taking legal action against persistent offenders. Officials said the expanded operation would focus on ensuring effective implementation of environmental regulations while supporting the objectives of the “Clean Lahore, Healthy Punjab” programme. Remove unsupported enforcement claims Tighten repetitive closing paragraphs Clarify the operation’s current scope