Punjab Province

Rawalpindi : ReNews Pakistan
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has issued show cause notices to the owners and developers of 13 illegal and unapproved housing schemes and land subdivisions for allegedly carrying out unauthorized development, advertising, plot bookings, and sales without obtaining the required legal approvals.
The notices were issued by the Metropolitan Planning and Traffic Engineering (MP&TE) Directorate as part of the authority's ongoing campaign against illegal housing developments operating within the Rawalpindi region.
According to the RDA, the housing schemes were found to be in violation of Section 12(5) of the Punjab Development of Cities Act, 1976, and Rule 4 of the Punjab Development Authorities Private Housing Scheme Rules, 2021. The authority stated that the developers had initiated various activities without securing the mandatory approvals and no objection certificates (NOCs) required under the law.
The RDA has directed the owners and sponsors of the schemes to immediately stop all development work, marketing campaigns, plot bookings, and sale and purchase activities. They have also been instructed to submit written explanations within seven days of receiving the notices.
The authority warned that failure to respond within the stipulated period could result in further legal proceedings under the applicable laws. It also cautioned that daily fines ranging from PKR 5,000 to PKR 20,000 may be imposed under Section 37 of the Punjab Development of Cities Act, 1976, depending on the size and nature of the housing scheme.
In addition, the RDA advised members of the public to exercise caution before investing in any housing project. Prospective buyers have been urged to verify the legal approval status of housing schemes through the relevant authorities before making any financial commitments.
The authority further instructed the sponsors of unapproved housing projects to immediately discontinue promotional and marketing activities and complete all legal requirements, including obtaining the necessary approvals and NOCs, before launching or selling their schemes.
RDA Director General Salman Ghani directed the MP&TE Directorate to continue strict enforcement against illegal housing schemes and other unauthorized development activities, reaffirming the authority's commitment to protecting public interests and ensuring planned urban development across Rawalpindi.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has prepared a policy framework to use the province’s nearly 40,000 kilometre canal network for the generation of affordable and environmentally friendly electricity.
Under the proposed plan, small hydropower projects will be established along canals to provide reliable electricity to rural and semi urban communities while reducing their dependence on expensive conventional power.
The Punjab Energy Department has finalised the Guidelines for Small Hydropower Projects for Punjab Community Ecosystems 2026. The guidelines are expected to be presented to the provincial cabinet for approval.
According to the policy documents, the natural flow and pressure of canal water will be used to generate electricity. Small power plants could be installed at canal falls, water drops and regulators where suitable hydraulic energy is available.
Officials said the projects would not require the construction of new dams or large water reservoirs. Existing canal infrastructure would be used to produce renewable electricity close to the communities where it is needed.
The proposed framework also recommends a tariff determined by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, a one window approval system and improved coordination among provincial departments responsible for canals, energy and local administration.
Under the proposed arrangement, a company or organisation developing a small hydropower project would operate it for an initial period of three years. The project could then be transferred to the local community for operation and management.
The community based model is intended to involve local residents in the ownership, maintenance and distribution of electricity generated through the projects.
Punjab has one of the world’s largest connected irrigation networks, but much of the natural energy available at canal falls and regulators has remained unused.
The Energy Department believes that small canal based power projects could improve electricity supply in remote areas, reduce the impact of prolonged power cuts and support agricultural consumers and small businesses.
Implementation of the policy could also increase Punjab’s share of renewable energy, reduce electricity transmission losses and provide rural communities with a lower cost alternative to conventional grid power.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Acting on the directives of Lahore Development Authority Director General Tahir Farooq, the LDA Town Planning Wing launched a major operation against illegal commercial buildings and properties defaulting on commercial fees across the authority’s controlled area, sealing a total of 135 properties in different parts of Lahore.
According to the LDA, the operations were carried out in Gulberg, New Garden Town, Shadman, Canal Road, Poonch Road and Allama Iqbal Town. During the crackdown, 30 properties were sealed in Gulberg and Garden Town for unauthorized commercial use, while another 54 properties were sealed in Shadman, along Canal Road and on Poonch Road over illegal commercial activities and non-payment of commercial fees.
As part of a separate recovery operation, LDA teams sealed 51 additional properties in Allama Iqbal Town. Officials said the sealed premises included private schools, bakeries, beauty salons, hardware stores, cafés, restaurants, food outlets, pharmacies, grocery stores, electrical shops, estate offices, clinics, auto workshops, shops, offices and other commercial establishments.
The LDA said the operation was carried out under the supervision of Chief Town Planner One Asad uz Zaman, while multiple enforcement teams conducted simultaneous actions in different areas.
LDA Director General Tahir Farooq said indiscriminate action against unauthorized commercial use and commercial fee defaulters would continue. He directed the relevant officers to ensure strict enforcement of urban planning regulations and take legal action against all violators.