Punjab Province

Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Syed Hasan Raza has directed government departments to accelerate ongoing development projects across the district and ensure their timely completion to improve civic infrastructure and public service delivery. Chairing a special review meeting on November 12, he assessed progress on schemes being implemented under the Punjab Development Programme, alongside administrative matters, public facilities and the performance of various departments.

He instructed officials to remove implementation delays and ensure that development initiatives deliver practical benefits to residents. The meeting also reviewed ongoing infrastructure improvements, the provision of basic amenities and progress under the Model Village Project, with particular emphasis on effective implementation in rural communities.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the departments concerned to strengthen drainage infrastructure in urban and rural areas, ensure regular cleaning of drains and improve sanitation arrangements to address public health and safety concerns. He ordered the immediate identification of uncovered manholes and installation of protective covers on an emergency basis to prevent accidents. Reviewing the Suthra Punjab Programme, he instructed the responsible agencies to maintain prescribed cleanliness standards and improve waste management operations.

He also directed revenue officials to prioritise pending cases and ensure the prompt resolution of public complaints.

The meeting further examined price monitoring, consumer protection and regulatory enforcement across the district. Syed Hasan Raza directed price control magistrates to intensify inspections of markets and take action against overcharging and profiteering. He also called for advance planning for Ramazan 2027 to ensure adequate supplies of essential food items and price stability. Officials were instructed to monitor consumer facilities at petrol pumps, verify the accuracy of fuel measuring equipment and enforce applicable regulations.

The Deputy Commissioner assessed departmental performance against General Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and progress under the e-Biz initiative, particularly improvements in service delivery and achievement of assigned targets. He emphasised accountability, efficient administration and stronger coordination among departments to ensure timely execution of development schemes and improved public services. Additional Deputy Commissioner Social Services Dr Ayesha Khan, Sub-Divisional Enforcement Officer PERA Force Mujtaba Manzoor and representatives of relevant government departments attended the meeting.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has urged businesses to consider fire and property insurance to protect their assets from unexpected damage and reduce the financial impact of potential losses.

The regulator organised an awareness session in collaboration with the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) at the chamber’s premises. Business owners, traders and industrialists attended the event, which focused on the risks posed by fire incidents and the role of insurance in helping businesses manage them.
Participants were told that the effects of a fire can extend beyond damage to buildings and equipment. Business closures, lost income and disruptions to employees’ livelihoods can also follow an incident, making fire prevention and adequate insurance coverage important parts of business preparedness.
The session covered protection for commercial properties, machinery, equipment and inventory. Insurance industry representatives explained available fire and property insurance products, policy considerations, coverage options and the claims settlement process.
Speakers also discussed business interruption coverage, which can help companies recover financially after insured losses disrupt their operations. Participants were briefed on Takaful as a Shariah-compliant alternative to conventional insurance and took part in a question-and-answer session on products, coverage and claims.
The initiative is part of the SECP’s efforts to improve insurance awareness and encourage wider coverage among businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. The regulator said the effort aims to strengthen financial preparedness and help businesses protect their assets and maintain operations after unexpected losses.

A Senate sub-committee has raised serious concerns over the reported establishment of 27 allegedly illegal housing societies on land belonging to Jammu and Kashmir State in Lahore, where residential plots are reportedly being sold to unsuspecting citizens. The matter came to light during a visit led by Nasir Mahmood Butt, Convener of the Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and Frontier Regions, along with Senators Naseema Ehsan and Nadeem Bhutto. The delegation inspected state-owned properties in Sultanpura, Rehmanpura and Naulakha Bazaar to assess their legal status, management and protection.

According to an official statement, several housing societies have allegedly been developed on state-owned land without lawful authorisation, while residential buildings have also been constructed on the disputed properties. The committee expressed concern that many buyers may be unaware of the actual ownership status of the land, potentially exposing them to legal disputes, financial losses and fraudulent property transactions.

During the inspection, relevant authorities briefed the delegation on property records, administrative affairs, rental income, unauthorised occupation and encroachments. The committee stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation into the legal status of the 27 housing societies, verification of land ownership documents and examination of plot sale and purchase records to identify possible irregularities and protect the interests of affected citizens.

The committee emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir State properties are valuable state assets requiring effective protection, transparent administration and proper regulatory oversight. Members called for stronger measures to prevent illegal construction, unauthorised land transactions and further encroachments, while ensuring that citizens are protected from potential property fraud and legal complications.