Punjab Province

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
A meeting chaired by Director General Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Tahir Farooq was held at the TEPA office to review ongoing and proposed development projects. TEPA Chief Engineer Iqrar Hussain and LDA Chief Engineer Mazhar Hussain briefed the meeting on progress made on various projects.
The meeting also reviewed the proposed projects for upgrading the Inner Circular Road and restoring Circular Garden. The briefing stated that TEPA is working on the restoration of Circular Garden, while LDA is undertaking the proposed upgrade of the Inner Circular Road. Both projects will be developed under an urban regeneration model.
Under the plan, the facades of properties along the Circular Road will be upgraded, while new footpaths and U-turns will be constructed. Measures will also be taken to address parking problems. The project includes removal of encroachments, provision of a utility corridor, road repair and rehabilitation, and uniform development along the corridor.
The TEPA chief engineer also briefed the LDA DG on progress on the Neela Gumbad and Nasir Bagh underground parking plazas. According to the briefing, 75% of the construction work on both parking plazas has been completed.
The LDA DG directed that work on the remaining components of both parking plazas be expedited and their timely completion ensured. He also ordered the installation of modern, international-standard parking systems at the underground facilities to provide citizens with improved and well-organised parking services.
The meeting was attended by the Director of Architecture, Director of Engineering, and officials from NESPAK, LDA and TEPA.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Assembly has called for urgent action against illegal housing schemes allegedly depriving citizens of their lifetime savings, directing the provincial Housing Department to provide a prompt response and considering parliamentary intervention to protect property buyers.
The issue was raised during Zero Hour by opposition member Ahmer Rashid Bhatti, who told the House that numerous housing schemes had collected substantial amounts from citizens but failed to provide the promised facilities or return their investments. The complaints highlight continuing concerns over the regulation of housing societies and the protection of people investing their savings in residential plots and housing projects.
Parliamentary Secretary for Housing Sultan Bajwa informed the Assembly that a case against the relevant housing society was already pending before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan expressed concern over the matter and observed that citizens’ lifetime savings could not simply be left at the mercy of lengthy proceedings. He directed the Housing Department to submit an early response and suggested summoning the regional director of NAB to brief the Assembly on the action being taken against illegal housing societies.
The Speaker further indicated that if the matter could not be resolved through the courts or the relevant government department, the Assembly could intervene by forming a parliamentary committee to pursue the issue. The proposed intervention could provide a platform for reviewing complaints against housing schemes, examining regulatory failures and developing measures to prevent citizens from falling victim to fraudulent or unapproved property projects.
The proceedings also included discussion on the Punjab West and Sanitation Workers’ Dignity, Safety, Security and Welfare Bill 2026. When treasury member Ahmed Iqbal Chaudhary sought to introduce the legislation, the Speaker directed him to first consult the government regarding its financial implications. Ahmed argued that the proposed law sought to establish safety standards for sanitation workers performing field duties. The Speaker directed Ahmed Iqbal and Parliamentary Secretary Khalid Ranjha to consult on all aspects of the bill and ensure that it was placed on the agenda during the ongoing session.

Lahore : Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan
Director General Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Tahir Farooq visited Bhatti Chowk and the Hazrat Ali Hajveri Underpass and reviewed the pace, quality and progress of ongoing development projects.
Tepa Chief Engineer Iqrar Hussain briefed the LDA DG on the development activities underway at Bhatti Chowk, the underpass and other related locations. During the visit, Tahir Farooq inspected the ongoing works around Bhatti Chowk and expressed displeasure over the slow progress of finishing work.
The LDA DG directed the contractor and project director to immediately accelerate the pace of development work and ensure that all construction and finishing activities are completed according to the required standards. He made it clear that unnecessary delays in the completion of projects would not be tolerated and that no compromise would be made on the quality of work.
Tahir Farooq also reviewed the improvement of green areas around Bhatti Chowk and the construction of a protected U-turn aimed at improving traffic flow. He directed the concerned officials to ensure that the overall beautification of the area and provision of better civic facilities remain an integral part of the development work.
During the visit, the LDA DG also assessed traffic flow between Azadi Chowk and the underpass. He reviewed measures being taken to facilitate smooth traffic movement and improve mobility for citizens, directing the relevant authorities to address any shortcomings.
Tahir Farooq further reviewed facilities for pedestrians and parking arrangements along Circular Road. He directed the concerned departments to implement these measures in a coordinated manner to improve civic facilities, traffic flow and the overall environment of the area.
The LDA DG instructed officials to regularly monitor progress on finishing and other ongoing works, stressing that the pace and quality of field activities must be continuously supervised and any obstacles should be addressed without delay.
Officials from TEPA, LDA, NESPAK and trhe contractor were also present during the visit.