Lahore Division

Lahore: [Re News Pakistan]
An accident occurred during the expansion project of Data Darbar, after which the Communication and Works (C&W) Department removed the SDO and Sub-Engineer assigned to the project.
According to details, a 40 year old man was killed when a building pillar collapsed during ongoing construction work a day earlier. Following the incident, the authorities took action and directed the suspended officers to report to the Communications and Works Department, Lahore.
Those removed from their positions include Huzefa Hameed, Sub-Divisional Officer, Buildings Sub Division No. 22, Lahore, and Waseem Ali, Sub Engineer, Buildings Sub-Division No. 22, Lahore.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has introduced a series of amendments to property laws aimed at revitalising the struggling real estate sector, enhancing transparency, and stimulating economic activity across the province. Key among these reforms is the reduction of stamp duty on rural immovable property from 3% to 1%, bringing it in line with urban rates and eliminating long standing disparities.
According to an official notification issued on April 10, the reforms also introduce the concept of an “assignable deed,” providing legal protection to agreements between private parties. Under the new framework, individuals can secure temporary ownership rights of a property for one year by paying a 1% stamp duty, and for two years with a 2% duty. Previously, such agreements often executed on low-value stamp papers lacked legal security, exposing both buyers and sellers to risk.
Government officials say the measures are designed to simplify property laws, reduce litigation, and lower transaction costs, thereby encouraging formal registration of property transfers. By making transactions more affordable and transparent, the government expects to increase the volume of real estate activity while simultaneously boosting revenue collection.
Punjab Board of Revenue Secretary (Tax) Anjum Riaz Sethi stated that the reforms are intended to revive the “dying” real estate sector and eliminate corruption within the revenue system. He noted that the uniform 1% stamp duty for both rural and urban properties would benefit developers, investors, and genuine buyers alike. He also highlighted that high registration costs had previously discouraged investment, leading to stagnation in the sector.
Real estate stakeholders have welcomed the move, particularly developers and investors involved in housing schemes located in rural areas around major cities like Lahore. Industry experts believe the reduction in stamp duty will provide significant relief to buyers who had delayed property transfers due to higher costs, allowing them to regularise ownership at a lower rate.
The government is also considering revising property valuation benchmarks, including DC rates, to better reflect market realities. Officials say these efforts are part of a broader strategy to attract both local and overseas Pakistani investors, many of whom have recently shown greater interest in foreign real estate markets.
Overall, the reforms are expected to restore confidence in the property market, protect genuine investors, and create a more transparent and efficient system for property transactions in Punjab.

Lahore | Re News Pakistan
A significant meeting regarding the Punjab Development Plan was held under the chairmanship of Minister for Housing and Urban Development Bilal Yasin, during which the progress of ongoing development projects was reviewed in detail. On this occasion, Secretary Housing Noor ul Amin Mengal briefed the meeting about various WASA Punjab projects and their current status.
During the meeting, the provincial minister expressed strong displeasure over the slow pace of development work and warned the concerned contractors to immediately increase the speed of work. He directed that contractors should enhance their workforce and machinery to ensure timely completion of projects and instructed that work should continue round the clock.
Bilal Yasin made it clear that strict action would be taken against contractors failing to complete projects within the stipulated timeframe, and they would be blacklisted.
He further stated that strict action would also be taken against factories involved in unnecessary price hikes and hoarding of construction materials. He added that no concession would be given to those increasing prices by using the prevailing regional situation as an excuse.