Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore High Court’s Justice Shahid Karim has issued a written verdict in the smog mitigation case, lifting the stay order previously imposed on the Sheranwala and Taxali Gate projects. The court clarified that the relevant development projects may now proceed under the newly approved Regulations 2026.
The court also removed restrictions on development projects undertaken by the C&W Department, while emphasizing that all legal and environmental requirements must be strictly followed.
According to the written order, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has been directed to fulfill all necessary legal and environmental conditions before initiating any development project. The court further ordered that tree cutting be regulated under strict rules and that replantation be ensured in accordance with applicable regulations.
Moreover, the court instructed commission members to ensure effective monitoring at every stage of development projects to prevent any violations of environmental principles. In its remarks, the court stated that while development activities may continue, environmental protection must be ensured at all costs.

Lahore | Rana Awais ReNews Pakistan
The Government of Punjab has launched the “Apna Khet Apna Rozgar” scheme aimed at economically empowering landless and underprivileged individuals by leasing state owned agricultural land for a period of 10 years. An official notification regarding the scheme was issued on April 16, 2026.
The initiative seeks to reduce poverty, promote agricultural development, and create employment opportunities for unemployed individuals across the province. According to officials, land allotment will be carried out through a transparent computerized balloting process.
Eligibility criteria state that applicants must be landless or own no more than a 10 marla residential plot. Applicants must also be permanent residents of the same revenue estate, verified through their CNIC address. Only one applicant per family is allowed, while government employees and individuals who have previously benefited from any government scheme are not eligible.
Under the scheme, up to 5 acres of land will be allocated per applicant at a nominal annual rent of Rs. 100 per acre. The land will strictly be used for agricultural purposes, and no permanent construction will be permitted. Ownership will remain with the government, and leaseholders will not have ownership rights, nor will they be allowed to transfer or mortgage the land.
Applications can be submitted online via the Punjab Land Record Authority (PLRA) website or at the office of the relevant Assistant Commissioner once the schedule is announced. Lists of successful applicants will be displayed on the website and at the Assistant Commissioner’s office.
Successful applicants must pay the first year’s rent within 30 days of taking possession, with subsequent payments due annually by January 15. Failure to begin cultivation within one year may result in lease cancellation. Additionally, monitoring committees will conduct inspections twice a year.
At the end of the lease period, the land must be returned to the government without any compensation for constructions made on it, although leaseholders may remove any structures built at their own expense.
Applicants whose requests are rejected may file an appeal with the Collector within seven days, while any disputes during the lease period can be taken to the Divisional Commissioner within 30 days.
The government will also provide special development grants to successful applicants to support agricultural activities. Authorities have warned that providing false information or violating the terms of the lease may lead to immediate cancellation.
The public has been advised to apply through the PLRA website or contact their respective Assistant Commissioner’s office in a timely manner to benefit from the scheme.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has revived the long delayed M12 Motorway project, declaring it a priority initiative to enhance regional connectivity and drive economic growth.
The motorway will link Sambrial, currently the endpoint of the Lahore/ Sialkot Motorway with Kharian, creating a vital connection within the country’s North South Motorway Network. The project is being advanced through coordinated efforts involving the Public Private Partnership Authority, National Highway Authority (NHA), and the Ministry of Communications.
According to an official update, the six lane motorway is expected to significantly reduce travel time on key routes while improving the movement of both commuters and commercial transport.
Officials say the project will play a crucial role in strengthening trade and logistics by connecting industrial hubs with major population centers. The improved infrastructure is also expected to support local businesses and stimulate broader economic activity across the region.