Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The business and commercial community has expressed concern over the rapidly increasing development of housing schemes in Punjab and the growing conversion of agricultural land into residential projects, urging the government to take effective and long-term measures to protect agricultural land.
During a discussion held at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on September 8, business representatives pointed out that the expansion of urban settlements is rapidly diverting agricultural land toward housing schemes, commercial projects and other construction activities. They warned that unless this trend is effectively regulated through proper land-use planning and monitoring, it could create serious challenges for agricultural production, food security and the environment in the future.
Punjab already has various laws and regulations governing private housing schemes and land use, including the Punjab Private Housing Scheme Rules 2022 and regulations relating to land-use planning. According to official records, a legal framework is in place for land-use planning, land classification, reclassification and redevelopment.
In June 2026, the Punjab government also approved major regulatory reforms for private housing schemes. The reforms included digitization of the approval process, action against illegal housing projects, underground utility services and measures aimed at protecting the rights of property buyers. Penalties were also introduced for schemes established without approval or those failing to complete development works within the prescribed timeframe.
The business community’s call for protection of agricultural land comes at a time when the Punjab government is also undertaking initiatives aimed at preserving agricultural land for cultivation and providing land to landless families. Under the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” scheme, the government has launched a programme involving agricultural land worth around Rs160 billion for landless rural families, with conditions requiring the allocated land to remain under agricultural use for a specified period and restricting permanent construction.
Experts say the conversion of agricultural land into residential use not only reduces the area available for cultivation but also places pressure on agricultural belts surrounding cities, natural drainage routes and the broader environmental balance. The rapid expansion of residential settlements around major cities could also increase pressure on water supplies, traffic networks, sewerage systems, electricity and other civic infrastructure in the future.
The unregulated conversion of agricultural land has also emerged as an important issue for the real estate sector. Experts believe that approval of housing schemes should not be based solely on land availability. Population needs, existing urban infrastructure, water availability, sewerage systems, environmental impact and the future master plan of the area should also be taken into consideration.
Business representatives urged the government to improve transparency in the process of converting agricultural land, accelerate action against illegal housing schemes and protect land that is strategically important for food production and environmental sustainability from unnecessary conversion to residential or commercial use.
Meanwhile, various programmes are also being implemented in Punjab to modernize the agricultural sector, improve irrigation and promote efficient water use and agricultural productivity. According to the Agriculture Department, work is also underway on modern irrigation systems, water management and agricultural infrastructure projects, reflecting the government’s focus on maintaining the productive capacity of agricultural land.
Business circles said the expansion of the housing sector is inevitable in view of Punjab’s growing population and rising demand for residential facilities. However, they stressed that a balance must be maintained between protecting agricultural land, organized urban planning and sustainable land-use policies so that present housing requirements can be met without compromising agricultural resources for future generations.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
On the directions of Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Director General Tahir Farooq, the authority has continued its initiative to provide residential and commercial plots to citizens on easy installments, conducting its sixth computerized ballot for the allocation of plots.
The ballot was held at the LDA Sports Complex in Johar Town and included residential and commercial plots located in Johar Town, LDA City and LDA Avenue One. A total of 1,520 applications were received from citizens seeking participation in the ballot.
The ballot included 40 commercial plots measuring four marlas each, located in the Business Bay area of LDA City. According to the LDA, these commercial plots are situated at an ideal location, approximately three minutes from Ferozepur Road and Ring Road, making them attractive for business activities and investment.
Similarly, 30 commercial plots measuring five marlas each in the Commercial Zone of LDA Avenue One were included in the ballot. Another 25 residential plots measuring five marlas each, located in Block K of Johar Town, were also offered through the computerized balloting process.
LDA Director General Tahir Farooq said the authority was providing fully developed residential and commercial plots in its schemes on easy three-year installment plans to facilitate citizens and enable them to acquire property according to their financial capacity.
He said successful applicants would be able to pay the price of their plots in 12 equal installments over a period of three years. Those opting for full upfront payment would also be eligible for a five percent discount on the total price.
Tahir Farooq said the initiative provided citizens with an important opportunity to acquire fully developed residential and commercial plots through a three-year easy installment facility. He added that the LDA would soon bring more plots to the market on easy installment plans.
ADG Housing, Chief Town Planner, Chief IT Officer, Director Auction, Director Finance, Directors Housing and other relevant LDA officials attended the ballot ceremony. Successful applicants were selected through the computerized balloting process.
Clarify the sixth ballot’s outcome

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab has begun practical measures to expand alternative sources of usable water in urban areas by 2029. The provincial government has initiated large scale planning and implementation to treat wastewater and surface water for productive use, with the objective of reducing growing reliance on groundwater and meeting future water requirements on a sustainable basis.
The Urban Water Management Plan presented to Punjab Housing Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal reviewed various proposals and measures for developing alternative water sources in urban areas, improving wastewater treatment and promoting the efficient use of surface water.
Technical teams from the Housing Department and Punjab WASA gave the Housing Secretary a detailed briefing on the proposed plan. The plan places particular emphasis on utilizing wastewater and surface water as important alternative sources to meet the province’s future water needs.
The Housing Secretary directed the relevant authorities to take effective measures to reduce dependence on groundwater and promote alternative water sources, while ensuring the speedy implementation of a sustainable water management strategy in urban areas.
According to a spokesperson for the Housing Department, the use of surface water will be gradually expanded in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and other districts across Punjab. Significant progress in organized urban water management is expected across the province by 2029 under the plan.
The spokesperson said the Urban Water Management Plan includes the planning and implementation of wastewater treatment plants with a combined capacity of 800 million gallons per day. In addition, 130 million gallons per day of treated surface water is planned to be incorporated into the overall water supply system.
Under the plan, the share of usable surface water is targeted to increase from the existing 6 percent to 27 percent. Officials said international standards are being taken into consideration in the planning and implementation of water-related projects to improve both the availability and quality of water in urban areas.
The Housing Department spokesperson said protecting groundwater reserves through the development of alternative sources of usable water has become an urgent necessity. Special attention is being given to increasing the use of surface water and treated wastewater to help address the continued decline in groundwater levels.
According to the spokesperson, smart urban water management is being promoted in line with the Chief Minister Punjab’s vision. The initiative aims to develop alternative water sources in urban areas, meet future water requirements on a sustainable basis and reduce pressure on underground water reserves.
Officials said successful implementation of the plan would not only improve water availability for urban populations but also strengthen sustainable water supply infrastructure for rapidly expanding urban areas, new residential developments and future urban and real estate projects across the province.