Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The appointment of several officers and officials in the Punjab Revenue Department who are facing corruption cases to key positions has come to light, prompting concern among anti corruption authorities.
According to official data, the Anti Corruption Establishment (ACE) registered 69 cases against officers and officials of the Revenue Department in the Gujranwala Region from January 1, 2026.
The data shows that departmental action, including suspension, was taken in only 24 of these cases, while no action was reported in 39 cases. Another six nominated officials have either retired or passed away.
Anti corruption authorities have expressed concern over the failure to take timely departmental action against the officials concerned despite the registration of cases. According to officials, it has been decided to raise the matter before the Chief Secretary of Punjab so that further action can be taken.
On the other hand, the Board of Revenue has maintained that the mere registration of an FIR does not establish an officer as guilty. It said disciplinary action can only be taken after legal proceedings are completed and the offence is proven.
According to the Board of Revenue, departmental measures are taken in accordance with all legal requirements and prescribed procedures. No officer or official can be declared guilty merely on the basis of the registration of a case.
Sources said that the continued presence of some revenue officers, Naib Tehsildars and Patwaris in government positions despite facing anti corruption cases has raised questions about the accountability system within the department.
Anti corruption authorities say that, for effective action against corruption, timely departmental measures are necessary alongside the registration of cases to ensure public confidence in the accountability process.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has amended the Punjab Private Educational Institutions Act to bring home based tuition centres, coaching centres and academies operating in residential areas under the definition of private educational institutions and the tax system.
Under the Punjab Private Educational Institutions Act 2026, tuition centres run from homes, including those operated by women and girls, along with small coaching centres and neighbourhood academies, will now be recognised as private educational institutions.
The amended law states that buildings and properties used by these institutions will fall under the property tax regime, while electricity and water connections will be treated as commercial.
Small private schools operating in residential areas will also come under the tax system, regardless of whether they are registered or unregistered.
The decision has received criticism from the All Pakistan Private Schools Colleges Association, which has called for the withdrawal of the amendment.
The association said the move could particularly affect women and girls who provide home based tuition to a limited number of students to support their household incomes.
It added that treating small scale tuition centres as commercial establishments could increase property and utility related expenses and create additional pressure on low income families.
The association has urged the Punjab government to reconsider commercial taxes and property related charges on home based tuition centres.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s flagship housing initiative “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” has received international recognition after being selected for the United Nations Scroll of Honour Award, highlighting its efforts to improve access to safe and affordable housing for low income families.
The programme has been selected by UN-Habitat following a global review of housing initiatives, placing it among the recognised housing programmes from around the world. The award will be presented during the global World Habitat Day event scheduled in Muscat, Oman, on October 5, while related seminars and workshops on housing and urban development will also be held from October 6 to 8.
The UN Scroll of Honour Award is presented annually to selected programmes that demonstrate notable efforts in improving human settlements and housing conditions. According to reports, only five programmes from across the world are selected for the award each year.
The “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” project was launched with the objective of supporting families in obtaining their own houses through an affordable housing finance model. The programme has also gained attention for adopting a fully digital approach to housing finance, aimed at improving accessibility and transparency.
According to available figures, loans worth around Rs260 billion have been disbursed under the initiative for the construction of more than 200,000 houses. In the first phase, financing exceeding Rs196 billion was provided for more than 134,000 houses, while the second phase included loans of over Rs62 billion for around 65,000 houses.
Officials stated that thousands of families have already shifted into houses constructed under the programme, marking progress toward expanding affordable housing opportunities in Punjab.
The recognition comes at a time when Pakistan’s housing sector is focusing on increasing access to residential facilities, improving urban planning and developing sustainable communities. Affordable housing programmes are increasingly being viewed as an important component of urban development, particularly in areas facing growing population pressure.
The project’s digital financing structure, large-scale implementation model and focus on providing residential ownership opportunities have contributed to its international visibility. The initiative also reflects the growing importance of technology-based systems in managing housing programmes and improving service delivery.
Urban development experts have highlighted that successful housing initiatives require not only financial support but also proper planning, infrastructure development and access to basic facilities such as roads, utilities, healthcare and education services.
The recognition of “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” places Punjab’s housing initiative among global discussions on affordable housing solutions and sustainable urban development, as governments worldwide continue to address the challenge of providing secure and adequate housing for growing populations.