Lahore: ReNews Pakistan
A fact-finding study by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), in collaboration with the European Union (EU), has revealed serious shortcomings in the design and delivery of water, sewerage, and drainage services in Lahore, raising concerns over citizens’ fundamental human rights.
The report titled “Urban exclusion in access to water and sanitation in Lahore” identifies fragmented governance, lack of coordinated planning, and conflicting departmental priorities as major hurdles in delivering equitable and rights-based services. The absence of a fully empowered local government has further weakened accountability, oversight, and citizen representation in municipal affairs.
Rapid urbanisation, unregulated development, and poor maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure have intensified the challenges. The HRCP study emphasizes that access to safe water and sanitation is essential for fundamental rights including health, housing, and security. It highlights the increased vulnerability of marginalized communities, noting that transgender persons frequently face denial of access to washrooms in government buildings, while individuals with disabilities encounter a complete lack of accessible facilities.
The report also points to climate change as a key factor affecting water systems, with altered rainfall patterns, extreme weather events, and rising temperatures impacting urban drainage and sewerage networks.
Recommendations include legislating the human right to water and sanitation, improving access in informal and low-income settlements, ensuring inclusive sanitation facilities, reducing water wastage, protecting sanitation workers, and promoting community-based complaint mechanisms. The study also advocates for water-sensitive urban planning that balances ecological sustainability with supply targets.
In response, WASA Lahore Managing Director Ghufran Ahmad disputed the findings, citing local environmental standards and existing initiatives. He noted that arsenic levels in Lahore’s water range between 20-25 ug/L, below the national safe limit of 50 ug/L, and emphasized ongoing projects for drainage improvement, rainwater harvesting, and replacement of aging sewerage lines under the Lahore Development Programme.
The study raises critical questions for policymakers and service providers about equitable access, sustainability, and accountability in Lahore’s water and sanitation sector, highlighting the intersection of human rights, urban planning, and climate resilience.

Lahore | Husnain Aulakh, Special Correspondent | Re News Pakistan
Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz's Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing initiative is transforming thousands of lives across the province, with significant progress reported.
According to official figures, a total of 131,305 families have benefited so far, while construction of 80,248 houses has been completed. Additionally, 46,787 housing units are currently in their final stages of construction.
More than Rs 181 billion has been utilized for the construction of houses under the scheme, while recoveries amounting to Rs 7.3 billion have also been made.
A spokesperson for the Housing Department stated that implementation of the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar program continues in a transparent, swift, and efficient manner. Construction activities are ongoing in both urban and rural areas across Punjab.
The spokesperson further clarified that offices have been established throughout the province to ensure outreach to deserving families. Moreover, the online application process has been designed to be simple and accessible for applicants.

Lahore: Husnain Aulakh, Special Correspondent | ReNews Pakistan
Chief Executive Officer of Punjab Central Business District Development Authority known as CBD Punjab and Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) Imran Amin met with Ali Mustafa Dar Advisor to the Chief Minister of Punjab on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Special Initiatives. The high-level meeting focused on the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and tokenization frameworks within the ongoing and upcoming projects of CBD Punjab and RUDA.
The meeting focused on utilizing AI-driven governance to refine urban planning and enhance data-driven decision-making. Both officials evaluated the implementation of AI for smart infrastructure, digital service delivery, and predictive analytics to streamline operational efficiency and transparency across all development projects.
A key highlight of the meeting was the exploration of asset tokenization frameworks aimed at increasing transparency accessibility and investor participation in large-scale urban development projects. The concept of digital asset tokenization was discussed as a forward-looking approach to modernize real estate investment mechanisms and create secure technology-backed financial ecosystems.
Ali Mustafa Dar appreciated the proactive approach of CBD Punjab and RUDA in embracing AI and innovative financial technologies. He assured full support from his office in facilitating policy guidance, technical collaboration and pilot initiatives to position Punjab as a leading hub for smart and technology-enabled urban development.
CEO CBD Punjab & RUDA Imran Amin briefed the Advisor on the ongoing progress of CBD Punjab & RUDA emphasizing their vision to transform urban development through vertical growth sustainability and smart-city principles. He reiterated the commitment of both authorities to adopt emerging technologies that align with the Government of Punjab’s digital transformation agenda.
The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to establish a structured roadmap for AI integration and tokenization pilots within selected projects of CBD Punjab & RUDA.