Multan Division

Multan | ReNews Pakistan China has expressed readiness to expand cooperation with South Punjab under the next phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, with a focus on agriculture, industry and projects that deliver direct benefits to local communities. Chinese Consul General in Lahore Sun Yan said South Punjab possesses strong natural resources and significant market potential, creating opportunities for deeper practical cooperation between China and the region. During his visit to Multan, Sun Yan said China was prepared to strengthen coordination with the South Punjab Secretariat and advance the upgraded version of CPEC 2.0 through projects tailored to the economic and development needs of the region. He said future cooperation could focus particularly on agriculture and industrial development while also supporting initiatives aimed at improving local livelihoods. The Chinese diplomat also called for more “small but beautiful” projects under bilateral cooperation, saying such initiatives could complement major infrastructure and economic projects by delivering visible benefits directly to communities. Sun Yan said China wanted to translate the understanding reached between the leadership of Pakistan and China into practical development initiatives and strengthen institutional coordination with South Punjab. The renewed focus on South Punjab comes as Pakistan and China move towards the next stage of CPEC, with greater emphasis on industrial development, agricultural modernisation, technology and improvement in livelihoods. China has also indicated that CPEC 2.0 will seek to broaden the scope of bilateral economic cooperation beyond major infrastructure projects and create stronger links with regional economies across Pakistan.

Multan | ReNews Pakistan DHA Multan has entered into a strategic banking partnership with UBL Ameen to provide Shariah compliant property financing solutions for its members and clients, expanding access to institutional finance for property acquisition and residential construction. Under the collaboration, eligible customers will be able to seek financing for three major property requirements within DHA Multan: purchasing residential plots, acquiring already constructed homes and financing the construction of houses on existing plots. DHA Multan said the initiative is intended to broaden access to property finance while providing customers with an option structured in accordance with Shariah compliant banking principles. The announced facility references pricing at KIBOR plus 1.5 percent, along with an exclusive 2 percent discount. Prospective customers, however, should confirm the exact application of the pricing formula, discount, tenure and other applicable conditions directly with UBL Ameen before proceeding. One of the notable aspects of the arrangement is the inclusion of financing for plot purchases, an important segment of property transactions within DHA Multan. Applicants will need to confirm whether the facility applies to all plot sizes, categories and sectors or whether specific eligibility restrictions apply. Financing will also be available for the purchase of completed houses and other qualifying residential units. Approval will remain subject to the bank's assessment of property documentation, legal verification, valuation and other financing requirements. Existing plot owners may also seek financing for the construction of their homes. Construction financing could be released in stages linked to the progress of building work and subject to the bank's monitoring and disbursement requirements. Approval of financing will not be automatic. UBL Ameen is expected to assess applicants on factors including income, creditworthiness, repayment capacity, financing to value ratio, property valuation, legal documentation and applicable regulatory requirements. The amount ultimately sanctioned by the bank may therefore differ from the property's total purchase price or the applicant's requested financing amount. The partnership could broaden institutional housing finance options within DHA Multan and potentially encourage more plot owners to move towards construction. Greater availability of finance for completed homes could also support occupancy and end user activity within the housing development. Prospective borrowers are advised to carefully assess the total financing cost, repayment period, applicable benchmark rates, potential rate changes and other terms before entering into a financing arrangement, and to obtain final terms directly from UBL Ameen.

Multan : ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has directed authorities to ensure effective implementation of the Multan Master Plan in order to manage the city’s rapidly growing population and expanding built-up areas. Under the plan, future residential, commercial and other development will be guided by established town planning principles. The directive was issued during a meeting chaired by Punjab Housing Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal, where progress on ongoing development schemes in Multan, town planning matters and issues related to the Water and Sanitation Agency were reviewed in detail. Additional Director General of the Multan Development Authority Ataul Haq Khokhar briefed the meeting on development projects being carried out by the MDA. Following the briefing, the housing secretary instructed officials to ensure implementation of the Multan Master Plan under all circumstances. The Multan Development Authority is a key institution responsible for the city’s planned growth, development of new housing schemes and expansion of urban infrastructure. Its jurisdiction covers approximately 362 square kilometres. According to official information, the MDA has previously completed several residential and development schemes, including Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Lodhi Colony, New Qasimpur, Tughlaq Town and New Shah Shams. The importance of implementing the Multan Master Plan has increased as the city continues to experience population growth and rising construction activity. Official records put Multan’s population at around 5.36 million, while long-term master planning for WASA has also been undertaken for the period from 2014 to 2040, covering improvements to existing water supply and sewerage systems as well as the extension of services to newly developed areas. Under the Punjab government’s master land-use planning framework, master plans are intended to curb unplanned urban sprawl, regulate the allocation of land for residential, commercial and other uses, reduce traffic pressure, protect open spaces and identify future requirements for infrastructure and basic civic services. Against this backdrop, effective implementation of the Multan Master Plan will require more than land-use mapping alone. It will also need to guide decisions related to new housing schemes, commercial construction, roads, traffic management, water supply, sewerage and other urban services so that the city’s expansion remains planned and does not contribute to worsening encroachments, congestion, infrastructure shortages and unregulated development.