LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore : Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan The real estate market in DHA Lahore is witnessing a gradual recovery, with industry stakeholders reporting a steady increase in daily property transfers and renewed investor confidence. Market participants attribute the improving trend to a series of recent economic and taxation reforms that are expected to encourage greater investment and transaction activity in the coming months. According to industry representatives, the abolition of Section 7E, the planned reduction in withholding taxes under Sections 236C and 236K in the upcoming fiscal year, and lower FBR valuation rates have collectively created a more favourable environment for buyers and investors. These measures, coupled with improving market sentiment, are contributing to higher levels of real estate activity across DHA Lahore. Despite the positive momentum, industry leaders have expressed serious concern over the growing influence of what they describe as the "data mafia," warning that unethical market practices are undermining confidence and disrupting legitimate property transactions. According to the association, certain individuals allegedly contact property owners without verification and quote inflated prices or circulate misleading market rates. Such practices often persuade sellers to reconsider or withdraw from already agreed transactions, resulting in financial losses and legal complications for buyers, sellers and real estate agents alike. Ch Tauqeer Asif Director Information DHA Estate Agents Association stated that several complaints related to these activities have already been submitted to its relevant committees for review. It has urged all chief executives and member firms to closely monitor the activities of staff involved in property data operations and immediately report any evidence of unethical conduct. He further announced that strict disciplinary action would be taken against individuals or offices found involved in such practices in order to protect professional standards, maintain market transparency and safeguard the interests of genuine investors and stakeholders. Meanwhile, members have also been encouraged to adopt "DHAConnects", the official digital platform launched for Android and iOS devices. The association has advised all registered members to complete office registration, strengthen their digital branding, and utilise the platform for official property listings and advertisements to promote a more transparent and professional real estate marketplace.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab Planning and Development Board has issued comprehensive new guidelines concerning PC-I documents for the approval of development projects across the province under the Annual Development Programme for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The guidelines are aimed at making the entire process of planning, approving, monitoring and implementing development projects more transparent, efficient and results-oriented, while ensuring the effective use of public resources. According to the P&D Board, provincial departments will only be permitted to implement development schemes that have received formal approval. Each project must clearly state its total cost, expected completion period, responsible officer, objectives, anticipated outcomes and measurable performance indicators. The progress of each project will also be reviewed regularly to ensure that work is completed in line with the approved targets and timelines. Under the new guidelines, all departments have been directed to submit accurate, complete and verified information regarding the names, locations, costs, technical specifications and other relevant details of development schemes at the initial stage. The measure is intended to prevent delays in the approval process and improve transparency. The P&D Board has also instructed departments to avoid unnecessary changes to approved development schemes during the financial year. Where an amendment becomes unavoidable, prior approval must be obtained in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures. For the first time, the guidelines have made the assessment of risks related to climate change, flooding and other natural disasters a mandatory part of development planning. Departments have been directed to incorporate protective measures into every project to reduce the impact of potential natural hazards and ensure long-term sustainability. The P&D Board has clarified that public funds may only be spent on development schemes formally approved by the relevant authorities. The measure is aimed at preventing expenditure on unapproved projects and ensuring the responsible use of public resources. In addition, all provincial departments have been directed to submit their annual performance reports to the P&D Board by August 31. The government will assess and rank departments on the basis of these reports, the progress of development projects and the effective utilisation of allocated budgets. The ranking system is intended to encourage stronger performance and promote reforms in departments showing weaker results.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab Water and Sanitation Authority (WASA) is preparing to introduce a policy that would make the installation of groundwater recharge wells compulsory for all newly constructed residential buildings across the province. The initiative is aimed at restoring rapidly declining groundwater reserves, improving long term water sustainability, and reducing the risk of groundwater contamination. According to WASA Director General Tayyab Fareed, the proposed regulations have been drafted and will be presented for formal approval during the authority’s upcoming meeting. If approved, the policy will require developers and homeowners to incorporate recharge wells into the design of all new residential construction projects. Recharge wells are designed to channel rainwater into underground aquifers, helping replenish depleted groundwater reserves while reducing surface runoff and supporting sustainable urban water management. Officials believe the measure will play a key role in addressing Punjab’s growing water challenges, particularly in rapidly expanding urban areas where groundwater extraction continues to outpace natural replenishment. The proposal forms part of the provincial government's broader strategy to strengthen climate resilience, promote responsible water resource management, and secure reliable access to clean drinking water for future generations. Director General Tayyab Fareed also highlighted the role of Punjab’s newly established WASA network, which now comprises 41 Water and Sanitation Agencies operating across the province. The expanded network has been tasked with improving drinking water supply, modernizing sanitation infrastructure, and implementing uniform standards for water resource management. Officials believe that mandatory recharge wells, combined with improved water and sanitation services, will contribute to a more sustainable urban development model while helping mitigate the environmental impacts of rapid population growth and increasing pressure on Punjab’s groundwater resources.