LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has set a target to transform Punjab into an artificial intelligence enabled province by 2029, with the initiative potentially having significant implications for land administration, property registration, housing and urban development. During a meeting with Provincial Adviser Ali Mustafa Dar, the chief minister reviewed preparations for the formal launch of Punjab AI Vision 2029 and received a briefing on the performance of the province’s AI Office during its first two months. Dar also briefed Maryam Nawaz on Punjab’s first AI-enabled delivery unit, the team formed to implement the provincial AI agenda and an onboarding programme prepared with expert assistance. The meeting reviewed the six core pillars of AI Vision 2029 and discussed its future implementation. The provincial government aims to use AI and modern technology to improve public services, governance and citizen facilitation. The initiative could become particularly relevant for Punjab’s real estate sector because several government departments responsible for land and property are already undergoing extensive digitisation. The Punjab Land Records Authority operates digital systems covering land ownership records, Fard, mutations, property registration, valuation and housing society information. PLRA says more than 23,500 mauzas have been digitised since July 2025, creating a growing database that could eventually support AI-assisted property verification, scrutiny of transactions and faster processing of land-related applications. Punjab’s land administration is also being modernised through the Punjab Urban Land Systems Enhancement (PULSE) project. World Bank documentation shows that the programme involves georeferencing land records, digital parcel mapping, registration of urban and peri-urban properties and development of an integrated land information system. The programme also includes digitisation and georeferencing of state-owned land, which could improve identification of public land available for housing, infrastructure and other development projects. Punjab has meanwhile expanded electronic property registration, e-stamping and online government approvals. Its eBiz portal provides digital access to various permits and approvals, including land-use conversion, reducing the need for investors and developers to navigate multiple government offices. If property-related departments are incorporated into AI Vision 2029, artificial intelligence could eventually help authorities analyse GIS and land-record data, identify irregularities, scrutinise planning applications, detect unauthorised development and improve urban planning. However, the government has not yet announced specific AI applications for PLRA, LDA or other property departments. Their inclusion and the exact use of AI will depend on the detailed implementation framework of Punjab AI Vision 2029.

Lahore : Riaz Hussain, ReNews Pakistan The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has completed the remodelling of the parking area in front of Lahore Railway Station along with the installation of a dancing fountain rising more than 100 feet, while work is also underway on another dancing fountain near Azadi Flyover on Circular Road. LDA Director General Tahir Farooq visited several major development projects across Lahore, including Railway Station, Data Darbar and the Bhatti Chowk underpass, to review progress on ongoing works. LDA Chief Engineer Israr Saeed and TEPA Chief Engineer Iqrar Hussain briefed him on the status of the projects. During his visit to Railway Station, the LDA chief inspected the colourful dancing fountain installed in the parking area. Officials said the fountain, installed on the directions of the Punjab chief minister, is the first of its kind in Lahore to rise more than 100 feet. According to the LDA, a large number of people visited Railway Station on August 13 and 14 during Independence Day celebrations, where the dancing fountain, Independence Day-themed decorations and newly developed seating area attracted considerable public interest. Tahir Farooq said the remodelling of the parking area in front of Railway Station had given the entire area a modern and refreshed appearance. He said a second dancing fountain was also being installed on Circular Road near Azadi Flyover. He directed officials to complete the remaining finishing works around Railway Station at the earliest. Instructions were also issued to complete a designated sitting area for porters, install fans, provide drinking water and improve traffic signage to better guide visitors. The LDA director general also inspected ongoing development works around Data Darbar. He was informed that escalators had been installed at the pedestrian underpass in front of the shrine to facilitate elderly citizens. He directed officials to complete the remaining finishing works at the pedestrian underpass without delay. During a briefing on the Bhatti Chowk underpass, officials said the main construction work had been completed and lane marking had also been carried out. Farooq directed the relevant teams to complete the remaining beautification work on the underpass structure. He also reviewed work on a protected U-turn being developed on Circular Road and ordered that the remaining work be completed within the next few days. The TEPA chief engineer assured the LDA director general that the remaining beautification, service road and protected U-turn works would be completed shortly. Farooq also directed officials to establish a dedicated Gosha e Mazdoor sitting area for labourers on Circular Road at the earliest. Officials from TEPA, LDA, NESPAK and the project contractor were also present during the visit.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), commonly known as CBD Punjab, has unveiled what it describes as Pakistan’s first and largest 3D anamorphic screen at CBD Vertex in Lahore’s Prime CBD Quaid District, adding a major digital advertising feature to the emerging commercial hub. Named “The Big One,” the curved digital screen measures 122 feet by 70 feet and has been developed to display static visuals, videos and three dimensional animations. CBD Punjab says the installation is designed to provide an international standard digital advertising platform for businesses and major brands seeking large-scale audience engagement. The screen uses anamorphic visual technology to create the illusion of three-dimensional objects extending beyond the physical display when viewed from particular angles. Such displays have become prominent features of major commercial districts around the world, where they are used for advertising, entertainment and public visual experiences. According to CBD Punjab, the new installation is intended to give CBD Vertex a digital advertising presence comparable in concept to high profile commercial locations such as Times Square in New York, where large digital displays form a significant part of the urban landscape. CBD Punjab CEO Imran Amin said the authority had been working to introduce landmark projects and described the installation as another first for Pakistan. He said the platform would provide brands with an opportunity to present their identities, products and stories through a large format digital medium. Beyond its visual appeal, the screen is expected to serve primarily as a commercial advertising platform. Its location at CBD Vertex is aimed at giving advertisers greater visibility while creating another revenue-generating and technology oriented feature within the business district. The installation forms part of CBD Punjab’s wider development strategy for Lahore Prime CBD Quaid District, which is being developed as a modern commercial and business destination with an emphasis on technology, infrastructure and investment. CBD Punjab has been working to integrate digital infrastructure and contemporary urban features into the district as it seeks to improve its competitiveness as a business destination. The addition of a large-scale 3D display reflects the growing role of digital advertising technology in commercial real estate and modern urban development. Large digital screens have increasingly become part of prominent business and retail districts internationally, serving not only as advertising infrastructure but also as recognizable visual landmarks. By introducing the technology at CBD Vertex, the authority is seeking to create a similar focal point within Lahore’s developing central business district. The project also highlights the changing relationship between commercial property development and digital infrastructure. Modern business districts are increasingly incorporating interactive displays, smart technologies and digital communication systems alongside conventional office, retail and public spaces. With “The Big One” now unveiled, CBD Vertex is positioned to offer businesses and advertisers a prominent new platform while adding a technology driven visual feature to Lahore’s evolving commercial landscape.