Lahore Division

Lahore | Re News Pakistan
The Lahore High Court has upheld the government’s policy regarding free electricity units for officers of power distribution companies, ruling in favor of monetization. The court dismissed a petition filed by the GEPCO Engineers and Officers Association and maintained the notification issued on December 5, 2023, under which free electricity units for officers in BPS-17 and above were converted into monetary compensation.
In its judgment, the court observed that free electricity units were not a permanent or legal right but rather a concessional benefit, which the government is empowered to modify or withdraw under its administrative policies. The petitioners failed to establish that the benefit formed part of their salary or was protected under any law.
The ruling further stated that such benefits do not become part of service conditions unless they are granted legal status. According to the court, no violation of fundamental rights was proven, and the matter falls within the employer-employee relationship.
The court also clarified that having separate policies for different grades does not constitute discrimination, as officers in BPS-17 and above belong to a distinct cadre.
Terming the Power Division’s policy as reasonable and financially justified, the court noted that the power sector is facing serious challenges, including circular debt, making measures like monetization necessary.
The judgment emphasized that the facility has not been withdrawn but converted into cash, and there is no evidence suggesting any adverse impact on overall salaries.
The court reiterated that judicial interference in policy matters is limited and that policies cannot be struck down unless they are illegal or made in bad faith.
Justice Malik Javed Iqbal Wains issued the detailed 14-page written judgment, while Assistant Attorney General Malik Tanveer Ahmed Awan assisted the court on behalf of the federation.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government and Pakistan Railways have taken a major step toward modernising the province’s railway system and improving public transport by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the launch of a fast train between Lahore and Rawalpindi, along with several other projects.
The agreement was signed between Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi. Under the initiative, the country’s first fast train service will be introduced between Lahore and Rawalpindi, covering approximately 280 kilometres in just 2 hours and 15 minutes. The project involves the construction of a new railway track, with an estimated cost of Rs350 billion.
Alongside this flagship project, the railway network across Punjab will be expanded and upgraded. A total of 1,415 kilometres of rail infrastructure will be developed, covering 20 regions and eight major local routes. These include Shahdara to Narowal and Sialkot, Raiwind, Kasur, Pakpattan to Lodhran, Sheikhupura, Jaranwala to Shorkot, Lalamusa to Sargodha, Faisalabad to Shaheenabad, and the inter-provincial route from Kot Addu to Kashmore.
As part of the plan, modern Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains will be deployed, along with the induction of new locomotives and upgraded passenger coaches to bring services in line with international standards.
According to Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, the project is expected to benefit approximately 90 million passengers nationwide and marks a defining milestone for Pakistan Railways. He emphasised that, under the leadership of the Punjab Chief Minister, the railway system is being upgraded to meet global benchmarks.
He further stated that the Punjab government has committed Rs45 billion for the upgradation of nine local railway routes, aimed at reducing traffic congestion on roads and helping control smog.
Infrastructure improvements under the initiative include the renovation and beautification of Lahore Railway Station, development of international-standard parking facilities, and installation of advanced automated safety systems to minimise accidents and enhance operational efficiency.
Environmental sustainability is also a key component of the project, with plans to plant over 400,000 trees along railway tracks. Additionally, a 40-kilometre green corridor from Shahdara to Raiwind is being developed to create a modern, eco-friendly railway environment.
Officials believe the project will bring a transformative change not only in Punjab but across Pakistan, offering faster, safer, and more affordable travel to the public.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has formally initiated planning for the fourth southern loop (SL4) of the Lahore Ring Road, marking a significant step forward in the expansion of the provincial capital’s transport infrastructure following the completion of SL3.
The project has been entrusted to the Communications and Works (C&W) Department in collaboration with the Lahore Ring Road Authority. Progress on the scheme was reviewed in a highlevel meeting chaired by Provincial Minister for C&W Malik Sohaib Ahmed, held after receiving approval from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Secretary C&W Raja Jahangir Anwar, Chairman Lahore Ring Road Authority Safiullah Gondal, representatives of NESPAK, and senior engineers. Participants were given a detailed briefing on the scope, alignment, and technical aspects of the proposed project.
According to initial plans, SL4 will cover approximately 18 kilometres, starting from Multan Road and extending to Nazir Labana near Sharaqpur. The project is estimated to cost more than Rs45 billion and will include several interchanges, toll plazas, a bridge over the River Ravi, and a modern service area to facilitate commuters.
Officials highlighted that land acquisition will be a key component of the project, while construction is expected to be completed within a two-year timeframe once work begins.
During the meeting, authorities directed the preparation of a comprehensive working paper covering all technical and financial aspects of the project. The Irrigation Department has also been asked to submit a detailed report regarding the feasibility and design of the proposed Ravi bridge.
To ensure efficient execution, a dedicated working team will be constituted. Officials stressed the importance of integrating SL4 with the already completed SL3 to ensure seamless traffic flow and connectivity across the ring road network.
Authorities believe the SL4 project will significantly ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and strengthen regional connectivity, particularly benefiting residents of Sharaqpur and surrounding localities. The initiative is being viewed as a crucial development in enhancing Lahore’s urban mobility and supporting future economic growth in the region.