Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Punjab has reported the large scale recovery of illegally occupied state land following coordinated enforcement actions involving the National Accountability Bureau and the provincial administration. According to details shared during a high level review meeting in Lahore, a total of 15,667,577 kanals of state land have been recovered, mutated in favour of the government, or formally identified for resumption. The estimated financial value of this land stands at Rs 4.37 trillion. The meeting was jointly chaired by Deputy Chairman NAB Sohail Nasir and Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman. Progress on land retrieval operations was reviewed, along with future enforcement and governance measures. The briefing clarified that the recovered land includes both parcels cleared from illegal occupation and land restored through legal and administrative processes. Participants agreed that all retrieved land would be formally returned to government ownership and utilised strictly for public interest purposes in accordance with applicable policies. The meeting also stressed the continuation of legal action against unlawful occupation, sustained monitoring mechanisms, and further strengthening of transparent land record management systems. A province wide assessment of ongoing land recovery measures was presented, focusing on outcomes achieved so far and areas requiring continued enforcement. The discussion highlighted the importance of consistent coordination among accountability institutions, revenue authorities, and district administrations to address discrepancies between official land records and physical possession. The meeting was attended by senior representatives from the Board of Revenue, NAB prosecution and operations wings, provincial legal offices, and divisional administrations from multiple regions of Punjab. The review reaffirmed a collective commitment to maintaining oversight of state land and addressing unauthorised occupation through structured, lawful, and coordinated action.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Government of Punjab has formally launched a comprehensive province wide groundwater recharge programme aimed at stabilising underground water levels for agricultural land and safeguarding long term farm productivity. The programme was inaugurated at Head Islam where Provincial Minister for Irrigation Kazim Ali Pirzada emphasised the critical role of groundwater in sustaining the agricultural economy rural livelihoods and food security. Under the programme restored canal systems floodwater storage mechanisms and modern recharge wells will be used in an integrated framework to ensure that rainwater and floodwater are absorbed into the ground rather than lost. This approach is intended to secure consistent and reliable water availability for key agricultural regions. In the initial phase 144 recharge wells will be constructed across major farming areas of the province. Officials stated that water stored during recent flood events has resulted in a groundwater level increase of approximately five to ten feet. This improvement has strengthened irrigation capacity improved crop water supply and begun to reduce farmers dependence on expensive tube wells. In recent years the rapid depletion of groundwater had posed serious threats to agricultural land leading to lower crop yields and rising production costs. The newly launched programme aims to conserve water resources promote sustainable agriculture and protect farmers from future water stress. Government officials confirmed that the programme will be expanded to additional districts in subsequent phases to ensure long term groundwater protection for agricultural land. The initiative reflects the provincial governments commitment to modern water management practices and the preservation of agricultural resources amid increasing climate and population pressures.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Lahore High Court has adopted a firm stance against the cutting and pruning of trees across the city, issuing comprehensive and binding judicial orders aimed at safeguarding state land and public green spaces. The court took notice of an alleged case of illegal tree cutting near a private hospital and reviewed the conduct of the relevant authorities, expressing satisfaction that departmental action had been initiated against those found responsible. The court was informed that five officers, including the project director of the concerned scheme, have been suspended. Emphasising the seriousness of the matter, the Lahore High Court stated that negligence in environmental affairs or misuse of authority would not be tolerated, particularly in cases involving public land and the urban environment. In its ruling, the court directed that prior written permission from the Director General of the Parks and Horticulture Authority will be mandatory for cutting any tree or branch in any area of Lahore. The restriction will apply in all circumstances, including safety considerations, electricity lines, development projects, and routine maintenance. Following the court’s directions, the Parks and Horticulture Authority has issued an official notification imposing a complete ban on tree cutting and branch pruning throughout the city. Under the notification, even minor pruning will require written approval from the competent authority. In its remarks, the court noted that Lahore is already facing severe challenges such as air pollution, smog, and growing environmental stress, and that unnecessary tree cutting further intensifies these problems. The court underscored that urban green spaces are vital for public health and environmental balance. The Lahore High Court clarified that the order is not advisory in nature but a mandatory judicial directive, and that any violation may result in legal action against the concerned officials. The decision is being viewed as a significant step towards the protection of public land, environmental regulation, and institutional accountability.