Punjab Province

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
Acting on the directions of Lahore Development Authority Director General Tahir Farooq, the LDA Town Planning Wing launched a major operation against illegal commercial buildings, unauthorised land use conversion and commercial fee defaulters across the LDA controlled area, sealing a total of 124 properties and demolishing several unlawful structures.
According to the LDA, the operations were carried out in Jubilee Town, Gulberg, New Garden Town, Samanabad, Gujjarpura, New Muslim Town, Poonch Road and Sabzazar. In Jubilee Town, an unauthorised structure at Plot No. 539 A was demolished over illegal land use conversion.
An LDA spokesperson said 30 properties were sealed in Gulberg and New Garden Town for illegal commercial use, while another 72 properties were sealed in Samanabad, Gujjarpura, New Muslim Town and along Poonch Road. During a separate recovery operation, 22 properties were also sealed in Sabzazar.
The sealed properties included private schools, wedding halls, cafés, restaurants, food outlets, bakeries, beauty salons, pharmacies, grocery stores, hardware shops, clinics, automobile workshops, retail shops, offices and other commercial establishments operating in violation of applicable regulations.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Chief Town Planner One Asaduz Zaman and Chief Town Planner Two Azhar Ali.
LDA officials said indiscriminate action against illegal commercial activities, unauthorised construction and properties with unpaid commercial fees would continue to ensure planned and lawful urban development across Lahore.

Rawalpindi : ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has reaffirmed its commitment to compensating all landowners affected by the Rawalpindi Ring Road project, assuring that no eligible property owner will be deprived of compensation for land acquired for the strategically significant 38.5-kilometre transport corridor.
The assurance was conveyed by Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Engineer Qamarul Islam during a meeting with a delegation representing affected landowners. The delegation expressed concern over delays in the compensation process, stating that awards for several acquired land parcels have yet to be issued despite substantial progress on the project.
According to representatives of the landowners, the project has involved the acquisition of hundreds of kanals of land owned by nearly 200 individuals in each of seven long established settlements situated along the route. They said that while land acquisition has already taken place, compensation in certain areas remains unresolved, creating uncertainty for the affected families.
Responding to the concerns, Engineer Qamarul Islam assured the delegation that all legitimate claims would be honoured. He stated that the concerns raised by the landowners, along with the relevant documentation and details, have already been forwarded to the Punjab government and the Office of the Rawalpindi Commissioner for necessary action.
The affected landowners have appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the Rawalpindi commissioner to accelerate the compensation process so that all outstanding claims are settled before the formal inauguration of the Rawalpindi Ring Road project, which is expected on August 14.
Separately, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Raja Ilyas Kayani announced that a delegation representing the affected landowners will travel to Lahore to meet the Punjab chief secretary. The meeting is expected to focus on resolving the remaining compensation issues and ensuring timely payments to all eligible landowners.
The Rawalpindi Ring Road is considered one of Punjab's flagship infrastructure projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion, improving regional connectivity and supporting urban and economic development around the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The road has already been linked with the motorway network to facilitate smoother traffic movement. However, construction of the Thalian Interchange, a key component of the project, is still under way and has yet to be completed.

Lahore : Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan
Managing Director of the Parks and Horticulture Authority Lahore, Zahid Parvez Warraich, visited Jilani Park and reviewed various facilities being provided to citizens.
During the visit, the managing director inspected the bonsai garden, lake, gymnasium, jogging track and the park’s main entrance. He also conducted a detailed review of other public amenities available at the park.
Project Director Waqar Rehman briefed the managing director on the park’s administrative arrangements, maintenance activities and ongoing improvement measures.
Zahid Parvez Warraich directed the concerned officials to further improve cleanliness, horticulture and public facilities across the park. He said that providing citizens with a high quality, safe and pleasant recreational environment remained the foremost priority of PHA Lahore.
He further instructed officials to give special attention to all matters necessary for developing Jilani Park into a model recreational destination in Lahore. He stressed that the provision of the best possible facilities to visitors must be ensured under all circumstances.