Lahore: ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has decided to separate the access routes between Greater Iqbal Park and Badshahi Mosque in order to improve movement and better manage visitors in the area.
According to sources, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has begun installing modern European-style fencing along the central pathway. This will clearly divide the routes for recreational visitors and those visiting historical landmarks.
The decision was taken during a meeting on the restoration of Old Lahore, chaired by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Under the project, separate pathways will also be designated for visitors heading to key heritage sites, including the Lahore Fort. The initiative is expected to reduce congestion while ensuring better preservation of these historic locations.
PHA officials stated that the project is estimated to cost around Rs. 100 million, and contractors have already begun construction work on-site. Previously, Circular Road was removed to integrate these landmarks into a single unit, but the new plan focuses on improving visitor convenience and enhancing security measures.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
On the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the process of drafting new laws has begun to ensure transparency in the buying and selling of land. Under the proposed regulations, all plot transactions in Punjab will be linked to the Housing Schemes Management System. It has been learned that, in the first phase, the property file system will be abolished in the provincial capital, Lahore. An important meeting was held at the Board of Revenue under the chairmanship of Provincial Minister for Housing Bilal Yaseen, where it was decided that all plot transactions will now be conducted through the Housing Schemes Management System.
Under the new law, the purchase of plots will only be possible after proper location verification and the issuance of a letter by the Punjab Land Record Authority (PLRA). The buying and selling of illegal plots and benami (undisclosed ownership) files will no longer be permitted. During the meeting, the committee was given a detailed briefing on proposed amendments to the laws, and the steps taken by the Director General of LDA were appreciated. The Housing Minister also directed the Local Government, RUDA, and other departments to make necessary amendments to their respective regulations. According to the Senior Member of the Board of Revenue, No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for housing societies will be issued within 90 days, and the reform process will be implemented accordingly. The minister further instructed that the institutional framework be finalized within seven days and that final recommendations be submitted.
The meeting was attended by the Special Secretary Housing, officials from Local Government, the CEO of RUDA, DG LDA, DG PLRA, and other departmental representatives.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
A high-level review meeting on the “Model Village Programme” was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafiq, where the progress of the project and future strategy were discussed in detail. The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Asia Gul, Additional Secretary Ahmar Kafi, and CEO Punjab Rural Municipal Services Company Khurram Pervez, along with other relevant officials.
During the briefing, it was informed that the Model Village initiative is a key component of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s “Sohna Punjab” programme. In the first phase, the upgradation of 485 villages has been initiated. The project has already been approved with a total allocation of Rs 60 billion.
The Minister for Local Government stated that the Punjab Rural Municipal Services Company (PRMSC) has issued work awards for development schemes in 357 villages, while municipal service projects are currently underway in 107 villages.
He further provided details of villages included from different divisions, stating that 41 villages from Sargodha, 44 from Sahiwal, 55 from Gujranwala, 51 from Gujrat, 63 from Multan, 39 from DG Khan, 50 from Lahore, 58 from Rawalpindi, 48 from Bahawalpur, and 36 from Faisalabad are part of the programme.
The meeting was informed that essential services such as sewerage, water supply, street paving, parks, and street lights will be provided in these villages on a priority basis. The Minister emphasised that existing streets and drains should not be demolished during the execution of projects.
He also highlighted that the restoration of traditional village ponds is an important part of the programme, and proper treatment of collected water will be ensured. Immediate steps were directed in this regard.
According to the Chief Minister’s directives, the first phase of the project will be completed by December 31, and all excavation work has been instructed to be finished before the monsoon season.