Lahore Division

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
Director General LDA, Tahir Farooq, visited the Data Darbar expansion project and inspected ongoing development works in the surroundings of the Railway Station. During the visit, he also reviewed the progress on the Bhati Chowk underpass project.
Officials briefed that 215 out of a total of 375 piles for the underpass have been completed. The DG LDA directed the concerned authorities to accelerate the pace of work and immediately commence excavation at the underpass site.
He also inspected the development works around the Railway Station and stressed that all projects should be completed within the stipulated timeline to ensure early facilitation for the public.

Lahore: Re News Pakistan
The process of relocating sacred relics housed at Lahore’s historic Badshahi Mosque to a modern and secure gallery has been completed after a long period. These relics had been preserved in an القديم gallery for nearly a century and a half, but have now been moved to a new facility equipped with state-of-the-art features in line with modern requirements.
The new gallery was inaugurated by Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman. On the occasion, it was stated that the gallery is equipped with advanced systems to control temperature, humidity, and lighting, ensuring full protection of the relics from environmental and climatic effects.
The sensitive transfer of the relics was carried out by experts from the Auqaf Department and the Department of Archaeology under strict security provided by law enforcement agencies. Following the transfer, the relics have once again been made available for public viewing.
As part of the project, “Iqbal Hall” has also been established, featuring a modern library and conference hall. The library houses more than 2,000 rare and contemporary books, along with important historical documents related to Mazar-e-Iqbal. Dedicated sections highlighting the teachings of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Sufi saints have also been set up.
To promote research activities, the hall is equipped with computer and internet facilities. The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials and individuals from various walks of life.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Government of Punjab has introduced significant amendments to the Stamp Act 1899 by issuing the Stamp (Amendment) Ordinance 2026, under which stamp duty on property transactions has been substantially reduced, while the concept of an “Assignable Deed” has been formally recognized for the first time under law. The ordinance was issued through a special gazette notification on Friday and came into immediate effect.
The ordinance was promulgated by the Governor of Punjab under Article 128(1) of the Constitution at a time when the provincial assembly was not in session, with the government stating that urgent legislation was necessary.
According to the amendment, an “Assignable Deed” refers to an agreement through which a person transfers his rights, ownership, or interest in immovable property to another individual, along with the authority to further transfer it. Legal experts note that such transactions were previously taking place but lacked formal legal recognition.
Under the ordinance, a new Article 11-AA has been inserted in the First Schedule, under which stamp duty on assignable deeds has been set at 1% of the property value for transfers made within one year, while transfers made after 12 months will be subject to a 2% duty. Officials stated that this measure will help regulate repeated property transactions.
In a major relief, the government has reduced stamp duty in various provisions from 3% to 1%, thereby eliminating the disparity between urban and rural areas. Previously, urban areas were subject to a 1% duty, while rural areas were charged 3%.
The statement of objects and reasons noted that the objective of these amendments is to simplify laws, reduce uncertainty and litigation, and lower transaction costs.
Officials added that the reforms will help formalize property transactions, increase investor confidence, and promote transparency and investment in the real estate sector.