LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Lahore High Court has declared the disconnection of a separate domestic electricity connection to recover outstanding dues from an industrial electricity connection illegal, setting an important legal principle regarding the recovery of outstanding payments by power distribution companies from industrial consumers. Justice Javad Hassan issued the ruling while hearing a petition filed by Ghazi Akhtar Khan, brother of Prime Minister’s Adviser Haroon Akhtar Khan. The court directed the relevant authorities to hear the petitioner within two weeks and issue a reasoned decision in accordance with the law. The court also restrained the authorities from taking any coercive action against the petitioner. The key point of the ruling is that a consumer’s separate domestic electricity connection cannot be used as a means of pressure or recovery for outstanding dues related to an industrial connection. The decision is significant for the corporate and industrial sectors, as many businesses may have separate electricity connections for industrial and domestic purposes. In such cases, the prescribed legal procedure for recovery of outstanding dues and the separate status of each connection become particularly important. The ruling also raises important considerations for power distribution companies regarding the recovery of outstanding payments from industrial consumers. The companies may need to ensure that legal requirements are followed while dealing with separate electricity connections held by the same consumer. The decision could have wider implications for future disputes between industrial consumers and power distribution companies over outstanding dues, disconnection measures and the legal rights associated with separate electricity connections.

Lahore | Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan The Lahore Development Authority has launched a major operation against illegal commercial buildings and properties with unpaid commercialisation fees across areas under its jurisdiction, demolishing two structures under construction and sealing 101 properties. According to the LDA, Town Planning Wing teams carried out simultaneous operations in Gajjumata, Attari Saroba, Gulberg, Faisal Town, Canal Road, Samanabad, GT Road and Allama Iqbal Town on the instructions of Director General Tahir Farooq. During the operation, the teams demolished an illegally constructed building near the Gajjumata Metro Bus Station. Unauthorised structures under construction near Central Park Housing Scheme Phase II were also demolished. LDA teams sealed several properties near Attari Saroba for the unauthorised commercial use of residential premises. Another 28 properties were sealed in Gulberg and Faisal Town for carrying out commercial activities in violation of regulations. A further 60 properties were sealed along Canal Road, Samanabad and GT Road over illegal commercial use and the nonpayment of outstanding commercialisation fees. During a separate recovery operation, the teams sealed 12 properties in Allama Iqbal Town. The sealed premises include private schools, clinics, beauty salons, cafés, restaurants, food outlets, grocery stores, hardware stores, pharmacies, shops, showrooms, offices and other commercial establishments. Officials said notices had been issued to the property owners before the operation. Action was taken after they failed to bring the properties into conformity with their approved use or clear outstanding dues within the prescribed period. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Chief Town Planner One Asad uz Zaman and Chief Town Planner Two Azhar Ali, with joint participation from the Town Planning Wing and enforcement staff. LDA Director General Tahir Farooq said indiscriminate action against illegal commercial buildings and properties with unpaid commercialisation fees would continue across the city. He advised property owners to use their premises in accordance with approved regulations and pay all outstanding dues on time to avoid legal action.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has approved a major expansion of the restoration and development project for Kamran’s Baradari, one of Lahore’s historic Mughal-era landmarks, increasing the project area from five acres to 15 acres. The expanded plan aims to conserve the historic structure while transforming its surroundings into a modern recreational destination for residents and tourists. Officials have been directed to ensure that all development work respects the monument’s original architecture and does not compromise its historical integrity. Under the revised project, the area surrounding Kamran’s Baradari will feature garden-style landscaping, decorative lighting and dedicated parking facilities. These improvements are intended to enhance the visitor experience and make the site more accessible without altering its heritage character. The project is being implemented with support from the Punjab Archaeology Department, the Water and Sanitation Agency and the Parks and Horticulture Authority. The participating departments are expected to coordinate conservation, infrastructure development, landscaping and utility-related work at the site. Earlier proposals for the expanded development included several dining and recreational attractions, such as the Ravi Show Restaurant, atrium dining, ship dining, sky dining and wooden bakery outlets. Plans also featured golf courts, pedestrian walkways, buggy tracks, fountains, children’s play areas and designated selfie points. It has not yet been confirmed whether all the previously proposed facilities will be included in the final approved design. Authorities are expected to review each component in light of conservation requirements and the need to protect the site’s historic setting. Kamran’s Baradari stands near the River Ravi and is associated with Prince Kamran Mirza, a son of Mughal emperor Babur. The monument is considered an important part of Lahore’s architectural heritage, but its location and surrounding environmental conditions have created conservation challenges over the years. The expansion from five to 15 acres is expected to provide more space for landscaping, visitor facilities and regulated recreational activities around the monument. If implemented with appropriate heritage safeguards, the project could improve public access to the site while supporting cultural tourism in Lahore. The government has not yet announced the project’s revised cost, completion schedule or a firm date for opening the expanded facility to the public.