LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan Director General Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Tahir Farooq visited the Hazrat Ali Hajveri Underpass and Circular Road to review progress on ongoing development and traffic management projects. During the visit, the DG LDA inspected traffic flow for vehicles approaching from Azadi Chowk through the Hazrat Ali Hajveri Underpass. He was briefed that millions of vehicles are benefiting from the underpass every day, while its opening has significantly improved traffic flow and provided major relief to commuters. Tahir Farooq inspected the ongoing construction of the protected U-turn on Circular Road and directed the concerned authorities to complete the project at the earliest. He also reviewed the upgradation work on properties and building facades along the route from the underpass towards Circular Road and directed that development activities in the area be carried out under a sustainable development model. The DG LDA further directed the installation of cable trays as part of an underground utility corridor to eliminate hanging wires along Circular Road. He also reviewed the quality, construction standards and finishing of the ongoing development works and instructed officials to ensure high-quality execution. He directed that the Gosha-e-Mazdoor, a designated facility for workers, also be completed at the earliest to provide basic amenities to labourers engaged in the development projects. Chief Engineer TEPA Iqrar Hussain and the Project Director briefed the DG LDA on progress made on the ongoing projects. The Director Architecture, contractors and other relevant officials were also present on the occasion.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has issued new guidelines for aesthetic clinics, spas, beauty salons, beauty parlours and businesses providing cosmetic and plastic surgery services across Punjab, aimed at improving transparency in the collection of provincial sales tax and protecting customers from unauthorized charges. According to the PRA, a 5% Punjab sales tax is applicable to specified services offered by beauty parlours, salons, cosmetic and plastic surgery providers, as well as certain skin and laser treatment services. The authority has directed relevant businesses to ensure that customers are properly informed about the tax being charged on eligible services. Under the new instructions, service providers are required to prominently display the PRA guidelines at their cash counters so that customers can easily understand the applicable taxation requirements before making payments. Businesses have also been directed to clearly mention the Punjab sales tax component on customer bills and provide proper documentation for every transaction. The PRA has particularly emphasized the importance of issuing digital receipts. Businesses have been instructed not to rely on temporary or handwritten receipts and instead provide customers with proper digital receipts showing the details of the transaction, including applicable taxes and service charges. The authority has also warned service providers against collecting amounts from customers beyond the sales tax and service charges permitted under the law. Businesses are expected to ensure that all charges imposed on customers are lawful, transparent and properly reflected on the bill. The PRA has urged consumers to carefully examine their bills when using services at beauty salons, spas, aesthetic clinics and other relevant establishments. Customers should verify whether the Punjab sales tax has been correctly calculated and ensure that they are not being charged any unauthorized amount in addition to the advertised service price, applicable tax or legally permitted service charges. The authority has further encouraged customers to report businesses that violate the guidelines, including establishments that refuse to accept card or other digital payment methods. Complaints can be submitted through the PRA Facilitation App or the authority's official social media platforms. The latest measures form part of the PRA's broader efforts to strengthen tax compliance among service-sector businesses while improving consumer awareness and transparency. By requiring clear tax disclosure, proper digital receipts and lawful billing practices, the authority aims to create a more accountable system for the collection of Punjab sales tax from taxable services. The PRA has advised both businesses and consumers to familiarize themselves with the applicable tax rules to avoid disputes and ensure that transactions are conducted in accordance with provincial law.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has planned the development of a major technology and IT hub on approximately 119 kanals of land along Ferozepur Road, near Arfa Karim Tower, with the objective of promoting technology driven businesses and strengthening Lahore’s emerging IT and commercial sector. According to LDA officials, the proposed project, titled Tech Park City, has been planned after internal market assessments identified the location as suitable for information technology, allied businesses and related commercial activities. The authority intends to develop the site as a modern business destination with facilities designed to cater to both businesses and visitors. LDA Chief Town Planner Asaduz Zaman said the authority plans to involve the private sector through the auction of commercial plots. The project will include dedicated parking facilities and other supporting infrastructure to create an environment suitable for technology companies, offices and allied commercial activities. Under the development plan, around 50 kanals of the total land will be allocated for commercial purposes. The remaining area will be utilised for public facilities, parks, roads, parking areas and other infrastructure required for the planned technology hub. The commercial component will comprise plots of different sizes to accommodate a range of businesses and investment opportunities. Building regulations have also been proposed to allow relatively high-rise commercial development at the site. Buildings of up to 72 feet will be permitted for ground-plus-five-storey structures, while ground-plus six storey buildings may reach up to 90 feet. The LDA has scheduled the first auction of commercial plots for October 14, 2026. Further plots are expected to be offered in subsequent auction rounds during 2027 and 2028, providing additional opportunities for private investors and businesses interested in establishing operations at the proposed hub. The authority estimates that auctions of commercial plots under the project could generate approximately Rs13.566 billion in revenue. In addition, separate leasing arrangements for a petrol station and a food outlet are expected to generate around Rs45 million. LDA Director (Auction) Ali Bin Sohail said the project is expected to stimulate commercial activity and support the expansion of Lahore’s growing IT sector. The development of a dedicated technology hub near an established technology landmark such as Arfa Karim Tower could also strengthen the area’s position as a centre for technology-related businesses and investment. The project reflects the LDA’s broader efforts to utilise strategically located land for commercial development while incorporating public amenities, green spaces, road infrastructure and parking into the planned scheme.