Punjab Province

Lahore: [Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan]
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has accelerated measures to make the land acquisition process in LDA City easier, more transparent and more convenient for citizens. DG LDA Tahir Farooq, along with DG Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA) Ikram ul Haq and DC Lahore Ali Ejaz, visited LDA City, where they reviewed the land acquisition process for Mouza Toor Warraich.
During the visit, DG LDA and DC Lahore inspected the one-window cell established in LDA City and met citizens present there. Both officers asked citizens about the issues they were facing in the land acquisition process and directed the relevant staff to ensure immediate guidance and assistance for them.
DG LDA Tahir Farooq said that the land acquisition procedure was being further simplified with the support of PLRA and revenue staff. He said citizens would be fully guided and assisted at every stage, from the availability of records to the payment process, so that they do not face unnecessary difficulties.
DC Lahore Ali Ejaz said that revenue and LDA staff would remain available at the one-window cell during office hours. DG PLRA Ikram ul Haq said that digital land records were being used to facilitate citizens and ensure transparency.
Later, DG LDA, DG PLRA and DC Lahore also chaired a meeting related to land acquisition. Representatives of LDA, revenue officers, the Ring Road Authority, C&W and other relevant departments attended the meeting.
The meeting reviewed in detail the measures being taken to make the required record, documentation and payment process for land acquisition digital and easier.
During the briefing, it was informed that representatives of all departments related to the required record would be available at the one-window cell, after which citizens would not have to visit different departments to obtain documents.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue and Director LAC briefed the meeting on the land acquisition process, availability of records and facilities being provided to citizens.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Following the Federal Budget 2026-27, Pakistan’s real estate sector has once again come into the spotlight. Property dealers, builders and investors are closely watching the government’s proposed tax reforms, measures aimed at easing property transactions and possible incentives for the construction sector.
Recent economic policies and efforts to broaden the tax net have also had an impact on the property market.
According to market circles, if certain taxes imposed on property sale and purchase are reduced, investment activity may pick up in major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. Some builders say the construction industry is already under pressure due to rising costs and weak demand, and any proposed facilitation under government policy could provide much-needed relief to the market.
On the other hand, the issue has triggered a mixed response on social media. In real estate groups on Facebook and YouTube, several users described the budget proposals as positive. However, a large number of users questioned whether these announcements would actually be implemented or remain limited to policy statements.
Users have also expressed concern over NOC-related issues, delays in projects, low liquidity in the market and increasing tax monitoring measures. Experts say the current environment can be described as “cautious optimism,” where investors are waiting for the practical implementation of government policies before making final decisions.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore High Court has rejected a request to immediately suspend the Punjab government’s notifications regarding agricultural tax and has directed the respondents to submit their replies within two weeks.
The matter came before the court on petitions filed by MPA Ijaz Shafi and the Judicial Activism Panel, challenging the increase in agricultural income tax in the province. The petitioners questioned the legality and constitutional validity of the revised tax rates, arguing that the government had altered the agricultural tax structure without proper legislative approval.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioners argued that taxation could not be imposed, increased or modified through executive notifications alone. He maintained that any change in tax rates required the approval of the provincial legislature and must follow the constitutional process.
The counsel contended that the impugned notifications bypassed the role of the Punjab Assembly and violated several constitutional provisions, including Articles 4, 9, 19-A, 25, 38, 77 and 127. He argued that the executive authorities had acted beyond their powers by revising agricultural income tax rates without democratic oversight and legislative sanction.
The petitioners further submitted that the revised agricultural tax regime had placed an unfair burden on farmers and the agricultural community. They claimed that the measures were discriminatory in nature and had the potential to affect farmers’ livelihoods, rural incomes and overall economic stability.
According to the petitioners, the agriculture sector was already facing multiple challenges, including rising input costs, unstable crop prices and financial pressure on growers. They argued that imposing additional tax liabilities without proper debate and approval by the assembly would worsen the economic difficulties of farmers.
After hearing the initial arguments, the Lahore High Court declined to grant interim relief and refused to suspend the contested notifications at this stage.
However, the court issued notices to the respondents and sought their replies within a fortnight.
The case is expected to determine whether the provincial government’s revised agricultural tax measures were introduced in accordance with constitutional requirements or whether they require formal approval from the elected assembly.