Punjab Province

Lahore | Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has accelerated reforms in its Town Planning Wing on the directives of Director General LDA Tahir Farooq, establishing the LDA Urban Planning and Design Center for the Town Planning and Chief Metropolitan Planning (CMP) wings.
DG LDA Tahir Farooq visited the newly established center, where the Additional DG Headquarters, Chief Town Planners and other relevant officers briefed him on its functions and future operational framework.
Tahir Farooq said the Urban Planning and Design Center has been established to modernize and upgrade the town and master planning system on corporate lines. Officers responsible for town planning and master planning will be stationed at a single center to improve coordination, streamline planning processes and strengthen decision-making.
According to the DG LDA, the authority is gradually shifting all its services to eBiz. Citizens will no longer need to visit LDA offices for building-plan approvals and other services, as the digital system is being expanded to make service delivery faster, more transparent and efficient.
He said the sealing and de-sealing process has also been digitized, while all notices have been made QR-code based. LDA field staff will be required to display QR code based identification cards when dealing with citizens.
Tahir Farooq further said cases are being registered against private individuals and firms misusing the LDA’s name. He added that LDA field teams would soon be equipped with body cameras to ensure stricter monitoring and greater transparency in field operations.
The DG said the authority was also continuing the corporate style upgrade of all its technical sections. The Urban Planning and Design Center will monitor illegal commercial activities, unauthorized construction and other urban planning-related matters.
The Additional DG Headquarters, Chief Town Planners, Chief IT Officer, Chief Metropolitan Planner and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
Lahore is set to undergo a major beautification drive ahead of Basant 2027, with the Punjab government planning a citywide cultural and decorative makeover aimed at showcasing the provincial capital’s historic identity and traditional heritage.
Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Bilal Yasin has directed the relevant authorities to finalise a comprehensive beautification and cultural plan for the upcoming Basant Festival. The initiative will be implemented under the supervision of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA).
The minister chaired a meeting on Wednesday where PHA Director General Ahmad Usman Javed briefed officials on preparations for the festival and the proposed beautification activities across Lahore.
Under the plan, major roads, city entry points and prominent heritage locations will receive special decorative treatment. The authorities are expected to install colourful themed floats, floral displays and vibrant lighting to create a festive atmosphere and highlight Lahore’s cultural character.
Bilal Yasin said the government was working to transform Basant into a major cultural event that would provide citizens with healthy and quality entertainment while reviving the city’s traditional vibrancy.
He said flowers, kites, lights and colourful cultural installations would form a central part of the city’s decorations. Special floats and exhibitions will also be established at different locations to showcase Lahore’s history, traditions and cultural heritage.
The Walled City is expected to receive particular attention, with the minister seeking proposals for a grand cultural programme in the historic area. The initiative is aimed at linking the festival with Lahore’s historic identity and providing visitors with a broader cultural experience beyond kite-flying activities.
Traditional food stalls featuring popular Lahori cuisine are also planned at selected locations. In addition, musicians and artists will perform live for the public as part of the cultural festivities.
The PHA has been tasked with carrying out beautification work across the city, with preparations expected to focus on improving the visual appeal of key public spaces and creating a coordinated festive environment.
The government has previously announced measures related to the revival of Basant, including preparations for regulating kite manufacturing and flying. The planned beautification campaign now adds a broader cultural dimension to the festival, with authorities seeking to present Lahore as a city of heritage, art, food and traditional celebrations.
Officials said the overall objective is to revive Lahore’s cultural vibrancy while ensuring that Basant offers residents and visitors organised, attractive and family-oriented entertainment.
With Basant 2027 preparations already moving forward, the proposed citywide makeover is expected to turn major public spaces and historic areas of Lahore into prominent cultural and festive landmarks during the celebrations.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore High Court has sought a detailed response from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on a petition challenging the implementation of the electricity slab system and reported changes to existing facilities for lifeline consumers.
Justice Khalid Ishaq heard the petition filed by citizen Ashba Kamran, in which NEPRA and other relevant authorities have been made respondents.
The petitioner contended that, according to media reports, the government is considering abolishing the lifeline electricity slab, a move that could place an additional financial burden on low-consumption consumers.
She argued that the existing slab-based billing system is causing serious difficulties for electricity consumers. According to the petition, consumers using up to 200 units are placed in the protected category; however, even a marginal increase in consumption can result in a substantial rise in their electricity bills under the slab system.
The petitioner further claimed that, in some cases, electricity bills can increase to more than double the previous amount, while the impact of the additional billing continues for several months. She termed the mechanism a financial penalty on consumers and urged the court to examine its legality.
The petition maintains that the existing implementation of the electricity slab system is inconsistent with the Constitution and applicable laws, and calls for a determination of its legal validity.
The petitioner also requested that public-interest cases be scheduled for hearing on a priority basis after urgent matters, arguing that timely judicial intervention is necessary to address issues confronting electricity consumers.
After the preliminary hearing, the Lahore High Court directed NEPRA to submit a detailed response. The regulator is expected to clarify its legal and administrative position on the slab based billing mechanism, the lifeline consumer category and the impact of the system on electricity bills at the next stage of proceedings.