Punjab Province

Faisalabad: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) has welcomed the real estate and property related incentives announced in the Federal Budget 2026-27, terming them a positive step toward reviving investment, accelerating economic activity and restoring confidence in one of the country’s most important economic sectors.
FCCI President Farooq Yousaf Sheikh said the real estate and construction sectors serve as a backbone of the national economy, as dozens of industries are directly and indirectly linked with property development, construction activity and housing-related investment. He said any revival in the property market produces a wider economic impact through increased demand for construction materials, higher industrial activity, job creation and fresh investment flows.
Reacting to the federal budget after watching the budget speech at the FCCI complex, Sheikh said the government’s decision to reduce withholding tax on property transactions to 2.75 percent, along with the lowering of certain other taxes on the purchase and sale of properties, was a constructive and far reaching measure.
He said the reduction in transaction related taxes would help reactivate the real estate market, encourage genuine buyers and investors, and bring confidence back to a sector that had been under pressure due to high taxation and rising financial burdens.
According to the FCCI President, the business community had long been demanding relief for sectors that directly contribute to investment, commercial activity and employment generation. He said excessive taxation on property transactions had discouraged market participation and slowed down activity in real estate and construction linked businesses.
Sheikh said the property sector’s revival would not remain limited to buyers and sellers alone, but would also benefit allied industries including cement, steel, bricks, tiles, sanitary fittings, electrical equipment, paint, furniture and other construction-related businesses. He added that a vibrant real estate market could play an important role in supporting national income and expanding the tax base.
He appreciated the government, the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister and the economic team for introducing budgetary relief for important sectors, saying that practical measures were needed to strengthen investor confidence and promote sustainable economic recovery.
The FCCI President said sustainable growth depends heavily on private-sector development. When businesses and investors are provided confidence, facilitation and policy continuity, the benefits appear in the form of higher production, more employment opportunities and increased economic activity, he added.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s economic challenges could be addressed through investment promotion, continuity in policies and a business-friendly taxation system. He said the government should continue consulting chambers of commerce, developers, builders, traders and other stakeholders during the budget approval process to ensure that the final measures support long-term economic revival.
Sheikh expressed optimism that the relief measures announced for the real estate sector would help restore momentum in the property market and create a positive impact across connected industries.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has reviewed the proposed land use and zoning plan along the Rawalpindi Ring Road corridor, with a focus on coordinated urban development, land acquisition priorities and sector wise planning for future growth.
A high-level meeting in this regard was held at the RDA office on Wednesday under the directions of Commissioner Rawalpindi Engineer Amir Khattak and Director General RDA. The meeting was chaired by Additional Director General RDA Masood Ahmad Bukhari.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Planner of RDA, representatives of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Deputy Director Local Government, the CEO Health Rawalpindi and other relevant officials.
According to an RDA press release, the participants were briefed through a detailed presentation on the decisions taken during the previous meeting held on May 15, 2026. The presentation covered priority areas identified for land acquisition in different blocks along the Rawalpindi Ring Road corridor and highlighted the role of various departments in the effective implementation of the proposed land use plan.
The meeting also reviewed zoning proposals for the corridor. Representatives of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasized the need for properly planned commercial and industrial zones along the Ring Road route to support business activity, investment and employment opportunities.
Officials informed the participants that adequate commercial and industrial areas had already been included in the proposed plan. They said the initiative is aimed at supporting economic growth, ensuring sustainable development and improving regional connectivity through planned land use.
Representatives of the health and local government departments appreciated the planning exercise and acknowledged the efforts of RDA in preparing a comprehensive framework for the development of areas along the Ring Road corridor. They also assured their cooperation for the successful implementation of the proposed plan.
The meeting was further informed that the proposed land use and zoning plan would be shared with the relevant tehsil councils for feedback and recommendations.
Officials said this consultative process would help ensure that local bodies are taken on board before finalizing the framework.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks, while participants reiterated their commitment to inter-departmental coordination, planned development and sustainable growth along the Rawalpindi Ring Road corridor.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has set June 30 as the deadline for the completion of all priority development schemes, while directing relevant officials to speed up work on ongoing infrastructure projects and ensure the immediate restoration of roads affected by pipeline-laying activities.
WASA Managing Director Saqib Raza issued these directions while chairing a review meeting on development projects. The meeting reviewed progress on various schemes in detail, with particular focus on three major projects being executed under the Chief Minister’s Package. The MD WASA made it clear that all priority works must be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Saqib Raza directed contractors to accelerate construction activities and instructed consultant agencies to ensure strict monitoring of the projects. He said transparency, quality and timely completion must remain the top priorities during the implementation of development schemes.
The MD WASA also directed that priority schemes being carried out under the Punjab Development Programme should be completed by the end of June. He stressed that public inconvenience must be minimized in areas where infrastructure work is under way, especially in localities where roads have been damaged due to pipeline installation.
According to the instructions, road restoration work should begin immediately in areas where pipeline installation has been completed. Officials were also asked to conduct a comprehensive survey of streets and roads affected by development works so that rehabilitation can begin without unnecessary delay.
On the occasion, Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir highlighted the importance of early completion of sewerage upgradation projects. He said these projects are crucial for improving the urban drainage system and providing relief to citizens ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.
Officials reiterated their commitment to the timely completion of development schemes, improvement of sewerage and drainage infrastructure, and rehabilitation of affected roads. The timely completion of these projects is expected to improve civic facilities, reduce drainage-related issues and ease public difficulties.