LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore : Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan A key meeting on digital reforms was held at the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) under the chairmanship of Director General LDA Tahir Farooq. The meeting conducted a detailed review of the system for digital monitoring, field inspections, and action against illegal commercial activities to make the affairs of the Town Planning Wing more effective, transparent, and modern. While reviewing progress on the ongoing digital reforms and inspection regime in the Town Planning Wing, the DG LDA directed that the complete data of the wing be updated on the monitoring dashboard so that field activities, inspections, and enforcement actions could be effectively monitored. Tahir Farooq directed that the SOPs being developed for town planning-related inspections and field activities be implemented at the earliest. He said that modern digital tools should be utilized to ensure transparency and accountability in the performance of field teams. The meeting also directed the development of a digital mechanism to prevent illegal commercial activities and ensure effective recovery of fines. The DG LDA ordered the Chief IT Officer to immediately update the monitoring dashboard for the digital mapping of illegal commercial properties so that such properties could be identified and action against them made more effective. The DG LDA made it clear that all members of teams going into the field for inspections and sealing operations must prominently display QR code based identification cards. The purpose of this measure is to clearly identify field teams and ensure transparent and verifiable action for citizens. He also directed that effective action be ensured against private individuals using the LDA’s name. He said that every possible measure should be taken to facilitate citizens, improve service delivery, and bring transparency to the institution’s system. Tahir Farooq directed the officers of the Town Planning and Housing departments to ensure the digital monitoring of field teams and regularly monitor field activities through the central system. The meeting was attended by the Additional DG Housing, Chief IT Officer, Chief Town Planner-I, Chief Town Planner-II, Chief Metropolitan Planner, Director Finance, Director Revenue, and other relevant officers. Various measures were considered to connect the LDA’s town planning system with digital technology and provide citizens with more effective, transparent, and faster services.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The installation of fire hydrants at government hospitals and health centers across Punjab has been accelerated to strengthen fire safety infrastructure. Under the initiative, a total of 350 fire hydrants are being installed at 103 government health centers across the province based on operational requirements. According to a spokesperson for the Housing Department, installation of 63 fire hydrants has been completed so far, while work on another 108 is currently underway. The improvement of fire hydrant infrastructure is being carried out simultaneously at government health facilities across all 41 districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi and Dera Ghazi Khan. Officials said the initiative aims to ensure the immediate availability of water for firefighting teams in the event of a fire at hospitals and health centers, while also strengthening emergency response capabilities. The development comes as the Punjab government has recently ordered a comprehensive review of fire safety arrangements at government hospitals. In the initial phase, 57 major government hospitals were identified, where authorities were directed not only to install new fire hydrants but also to assess the availability, functionality and operational condition of existing hydrants. The government is also focusing on improving firefighting facilities around Rural Health Centers (RHCs), Tehsil Headquarters Hospitals (THQs), District Headquarters Hospitals (DHQs) and other major public healthcare facilities. Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASAs) have been assigned a role in identifying key locations and supporting the installation of fire hydrants, while relevant departments, including Rescue 1122, are also assisting in the process. Earlier, the Chief Minister of Punjab had directed authorities to review fire safety arrangements, emergency exits and fire hydrants at government hospitals and expedite all necessary measures. Officials said ensuring the functionality of fire alarms, hydrants and other safety equipment is also part of the ongoing assessment. Housing Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal directed that the installation of fire hydrants be completed at the earliest, stressing that the safety of patients, attendants and medical staff remains a top priority. He said the availability of functional fire hydrants would play a vital role in enabling rescue and firefighting teams to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies. Punjab's building bye laws also emphasize fire safety provisions for hospitals and certain other buildings, including fire detectors, alarms, sprinklers and fire hydrants, as key components of emergency safety infrastructure.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The government has called for stronger coordination and collaboration between public institutions and private developers to promote sustainable urban development, enhance investor confidence and address Pakistan’s growing housing needs. Speaking at a real estate conference, Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin said effective policies must be developed in line with changing housing requirements in major cities, particularly Lahore. He noted that rapid population growth and urban expansion in Lahore have led to increasing demand for well-planned residential developments. The provincial housing minister said greater investment in the residential sector could create wider housing opportunities for different segments of society. These include one-bedroom apartments for young professionals and smaller households, as well as two-bedroom apartments for families seeking centrally located residential options. He said the development of new apartment projects could provide buyers with greater choice as Lahore continues to expand and urban land becomes increasingly valuable. He also emphasised the importance of continued engagement between government institutions and the private sector, saying effective policymaking, clear regulations and stronger industry collaboration are essential to building investor confidence and supporting the long term growth of Pakistan’s real estate market. Addressing the conference, Alif Holdings Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Saljouk said meaningful dialogue between policymakers and real estate industry stakeholders was crucial for the sector’s long-term development. He said the real estate sector plays an important role in Pakistan’s economy and its future depends on constructive cooperation between the public and private sectors. Ahmed Saljouk added that Alif Holdings would continue organising such forums to promote informed dialogue and support the sustainable development of the country’s real estate industry. Participants said expanding housing opportunities must go hand in hand with maintaining construction quality, ensuring regulatory compliance and promoting effective urban planning. The conference also highlighted property as an important long-term investment opportunity in Lahore, particularly as the city moves towards higher-density residential development supported by improved infrastructure and planning. Participants welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step towards strengthening communication between policymakers and the private sector and promoting the sustainable growth of Pakistan’s real estate industry.