LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has prepared a policy framework to use the province’s nearly 40,000 kilometre canal network for the generation of affordable and environmentally friendly electricity. Under the proposed plan, small hydropower projects will be established along canals to provide reliable electricity to rural and semi urban communities while reducing their dependence on expensive conventional power. The Punjab Energy Department has finalised the Guidelines for Small Hydropower Projects for Punjab Community Ecosystems 2026. The guidelines are expected to be presented to the provincial cabinet for approval. According to the policy documents, the natural flow and pressure of canal water will be used to generate electricity. Small power plants could be installed at canal falls, water drops and regulators where suitable hydraulic energy is available. Officials said the projects would not require the construction of new dams or large water reservoirs. Existing canal infrastructure would be used to produce renewable electricity close to the communities where it is needed. The proposed framework also recommends a tariff determined by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, a one window approval system and improved coordination among provincial departments responsible for canals, energy and local administration. Under the proposed arrangement, a company or organisation developing a small hydropower project would operate it for an initial period of three years. The project could then be transferred to the local community for operation and management. The community based model is intended to involve local residents in the ownership, maintenance and distribution of electricity generated through the projects. Punjab has one of the world’s largest connected irrigation networks, but much of the natural energy available at canal falls and regulators has remained unused. The Energy Department believes that small canal based power projects could improve electricity supply in remote areas, reduce the impact of prolonged power cuts and support agricultural consumers and small businesses. Implementation of the policy could also increase Punjab’s share of renewable energy, reduce electricity transmission losses and provide rural communities with a lower cost alternative to conventional grid power.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Acting on the directives of Lahore Development Authority Director General Tahir Farooq, the LDA Town Planning Wing launched a major operation against illegal commercial buildings and properties defaulting on commercial fees across the authority’s controlled area, sealing a total of 135 properties in different parts of Lahore. According to the LDA, the operations were carried out in Gulberg, New Garden Town, Shadman, Canal Road, Poonch Road and Allama Iqbal Town. During the crackdown, 30 properties were sealed in Gulberg and Garden Town for unauthorized commercial use, while another 54 properties were sealed in Shadman, along Canal Road and on Poonch Road over illegal commercial activities and non-payment of commercial fees. As part of a separate recovery operation, LDA teams sealed 51 additional properties in Allama Iqbal Town. Officials said the sealed premises included private schools, bakeries, beauty salons, hardware stores, cafés, restaurants, food outlets, pharmacies, grocery stores, electrical shops, estate offices, clinics, auto workshops, shops, offices and other commercial establishments. The LDA said the operation was carried out under the supervision of Chief Town Planner One Asad uz Zaman, while multiple enforcement teams conducted simultaneous actions in different areas. LDA Director General Tahir Farooq said indiscriminate action against unauthorized commercial use and commercial fee defaulters would continue. He directed the relevant officers to ensure strict enforcement of urban planning regulations and take legal action against all violators.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Lahore High Court has issued an important ruling on tenancy disputes, holding that a court must provide the opposing party at least 10 days under the law before beginning ex parte proceedings. Justice Muzammil Akhtar Shabbir issued a 14 page detailed judgment and set aside the decisions of the rent tribunal and the appellate court against the petitioner. The court observed that it was inappropriate to issue an ex parte ruling against a tenant or any other party without giving them a reasonable opportunity to present their defence. The judgment stated that a delay in justice amounts to a denial of justice, but unnecessary haste in delivering justice can also undermine the judicial process. The Lahore High Court made it clear that courts dealing with tenancy disputes must fully observe the legal time period and the principles of a fair hearing. The court also declared the ruling a judicial precedent for future rent cases and ordered that the dispute should be treated as pending before the trial court. The trial court was directed to provide both parties a full opportunity to present their cases and decide the matter on merit within four months. The judgment is significant for both landlords and tenants, as courts will be required to fulfil the legal procedure before issuing an immediate ex parte ruling merely because one party is absent.