Punjab Province

Sargodha | ReNews Pakistan
The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) has welcomed the sealing of an allegedly illegal cement manufacturing facility operating under the name Red Bull Cement on the Sargodha Faisalabad Road, describing the action as a significant step towards ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting the formal industrial sector.
According to a statement issued by the association, the facility, which is reportedly linked to Rohri Cement, was sealed and its operations suspended following a joint inspection conducted by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the District Industries Department.
Authorities reportedly found that the unit was operating without obtaining the mandatory licenses, registrations, environmental approvals and other statutory permissions required under Pakistan’s industrial and environmental regulations. The inspection led to immediate enforcement action, resulting in the closure of the facility pending further legal and regulatory proceedings.
APCMA praised the coordinated efforts of the government agencies involved, stating that timely intervention against illegal manufacturing activities is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability within the cement sector.
The association noted that unauthorized cement production not only deprives the national exchequer of substantial tax revenues but also creates unfair market conditions for legitimate manufacturers that invest heavily in meeting environmental, safety, quality and regulatory standards.
Industry representatives emphasized that Pakistan’s formal cement sector contributes billions of rupees annually in taxes and duties while complying with regulations issued by the FBR, EPA and other relevant authorities. They argued that illegal operators undermine these efforts by avoiding compliance costs and regulatory obligations.
APCMA further urged regulatory authorities to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms across the country to identify and take action against non compliant manufacturing units before they can cause significant economic, environmental or market related damage.
The association reiterated its commitment to supporting government initiatives aimed at eliminating unlawful industrial activity and fostering a transparent, competitive and sustainable business environment for Pakistan’s cement industry.
Officials believe that continued enforcement against unauthorized industrial operations will help improve tax collection, strengthen environmental compliance and ensure a level playing field for businesses operating within the legal framework.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has approved major reforms to the rules governing private housing schemes, making it mandatory for all new applications and amendments to previously approved schemes to be submitted through a central digital approval system.
The Punjab Cabinet’s Standing Committee on Legislative Business has approved comprehensive amendments to the Punjab Private Housing Schemes Rules 2022. The reforms are aimed at improving transparency, planning standards, regulatory oversight and protection for property buyers.
Under the new rules, strict action can be taken against housing schemes established without approval or projects that fail to complete development work within the prescribed time. Such schemes may face daily fines ranging from PKR 5,000 to PKR 20,000.
The amended rules also place emphasis on underground utility services, stronger infrastructure planning and the provision of essential residential facilities. The government believes these measures will help protect buyers, discourage illegal schemes and promote affordable housing.
Any housing scheme involving more than five landowners will be required to apply through a registered company or a cooperative society. The number of owners in an approved scheme will not be allowed to increase later.
The number of entities participating in a joint venture housing project has also been limited to five, while cooperative societies will not be permitted to enter into joint venture agreements.
The amendments have been aligned with the Punjab Local Government Act 2025 and will take effect after publication in the official gazette.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has decided to introduce digital monitoring at marriage halls, marquees, farmhouses and restaurants in a major move aimed at curbing tax evasion, improving revenue collection and making the provincial tax system more transparent.
The decision was taken during a high level meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where officials reviewed the province’s revenue performance and discussed steps to strengthen tax enforcement through modern technology.
Under the proposed plan, advanced camera systems will be installed at marriage halls, marquees, farmhouses and major food chains to monitor commercial activity and help authorities assess whether businesses are accurately declaring their sales and tax liabilities.
Officials said the initiative is designed to identify cases where businesses issue fake receipts, conceal sales or underreport income. Strict action will be taken against establishments found involved in tax evasion or documentation fraud.
The provincial government is also considering making digital payments mandatory at selected restaurants. Authorities believe this will create a clear financial record of transactions and reduce the possibility of cash based underreporting.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the government would follow a zero tolerance policy against tax evasion. She said technology based monitoring, digital tools and improved enforcement mechanisms would be used to detect irregularities and ensure better compliance.
During the meeting, officials informed the chief minister that Punjab has set a revenue target of Rs. 528.5 billion for FY27. The Punjab Revenue Authority’s collections have increased from Rs. 250 billion to Rs. 346 billion, showing a growth of 38 percent.
The meeting was further informed that the Punjab Revenue Authority has expanded its operational presence from 10 districts to 26 districts. Dedicated intelligence, investigation, taxpayer audit and legal wings have also been established to strengthen tax administration across the province.
Officials said the digital monitoring initiative is part of a wider effort to modernize Punjab’s revenue system, reduce leakages and bring more businesses into the documented economy.