Lahore Division

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Government of Punjab has launched a comprehensive revision of property valuation rates in a strategic effort to attract investment from Gulf countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and to revive momentum in the province’s real estate sector.
According to official sources, the initiative is designed to reduce the gap between government-declared property values and prevailing market prices. Authorities believe this disparity has long discouraged investment, increased transaction friction, and created tax burdens that particularly affect overseas Pakistanis and foreign investors.
The proposed changes were discussed during high-level meetings between Punjab government officials and representatives of the UAE business community. During these discussions, both sides reportedly emphasised the need for a more transparent and predictable valuation system to restore investor confidence and stimulate cross border real estate activity.
Officials said the revised valuation framework will initially focus on major urban centres and key investment corridors, where property transactions have slowed in recent years due to rising taxes, regulatory complexities, and widening differences between official and market-based valuations.
In addition to revising property rates, the provincial government is also considering broader reforms aimed at simplifying property transactions. These measures include reducing procedural bottlenecks, improving documentation systems, and creating a more streamlined environment for overseas buyers.
The real estate sector in Pakistan has been under pressure due to a combination of factors, including increased taxation, higher construction costs, and declining purchasing power among domestic buyers. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly urged authorities to rationalise property valuations in order to revive demand and attract fresh capital inflows.
The finalised valuation structure is expected to be announced after consultations with relevant government departments and key market stakeholders. Officials hope the reforms will not only stabilise the real estate market but also position Punjab as a more competitive destination for Gulf-based investment.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar visited Data Darbar in Lahore, where he offered Fateha at the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) and prayed for national security, prosperity, and unity and stability of the Muslim Ummah.
During the visit, the Secretary Auqaf briefed the Deputy Prime Minister in detail regarding ongoing development projects, administrative affairs, and facilities being provided to pilgrims at Data Darbar. He was also informed about expansion projects, security arrangements, cleanliness measures, crowd management systems, and improvements in public facilities at the shrine.
Ishaq Dar inspected various development projects at Data Darbar and appreciated the ongoing expansion program. He stated that the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) is a great center of spirituality, peace, tolerance, and Islamic values. He said the government is taking all possible measures to provide better facilities to pilgrims, adding that improvements in infrastructure, modern security systems, cleanliness, and effective administrative management reflect the government’s public friendly vision.
He directed the concerned authorities to ensure completion of the ongoing projects within the stipulated timeframe and according to high standards so that pilgrims visiting from across the country could benefit from improved facilities and a better environment.
On the occasion, Dr. Ahsan Bhatta said that all available resources are being utilized to complete the Data Darbar mega project on time, adding that the project would provide modern and quality facilities to visitors upon completion.
Executive Engineer C&W Muhammad Isa, Fahad Naveed, NESPAK General Manager Adil Nazir, Auqaf Executive Engineer Qaiser Munir, and other senior officials of the Data Darbadministration were also present during the visit.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
The automated building plan approval system “eBiz” in Lahore is facing serious technical and administrative issues, causing significant inconvenience and unusually long delays for citizens. Although the system was introduced to ensure transparency and speed up approvals, it is increasingly becoming an obstacle rather than a facilitation tool.
According to sources, the backlog of pending applications at the Lahore Development Authority’s (LDA) One Window Cell has increased to 18 days, prompting serious concern from senior officials. Citizens report that even minor building plan approvals are being delayed unnecessarily, disrupting construction projects across the city.
Reports indicate that a lack of effective monitoring of the eBiz system and the unnecessary delay of cases have also drawn the ire of the Chief Secretary’s office. In a related meeting, LDA officials reportedly faced tough questions and criticism over the situation.
Sources further reveal that citizens’ applications are being repeatedly transferred between various departments, particularly the Town Planning Wing and the Directorate of Architect, resulting in further delays and procedural complications.
It has also been reported that poor coordination between the LDA IT Wing and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) is worsening the situation, while internal blame-shifting among departments has further hindered efforts to improve the system.
Officials maintain that the primary objective of the E-Biz system was to streamline, digitize, and make the building plan approval process more transparent and efficient.
However, due to ongoing administrative and technical challenges, the system is currently causing delays and difficulties rather than providing relief to citizens.