Lahore Division

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
Deputy Commissioner Lahore, Muhammad Ali Ejaz, has reviewed the construction progress and approved the final design of the floating restaurant being developed on Canal Road, directing all concerned departments to ensure the project is completed in accordance with the highest engineering, construction and safety standards.
During a visit to the project site near the Journalists Housing Scheme, the deputy commissioner received a detailed briefing on the pace of construction, technical specifications and the overall development plan. Officials informed him about the current status of work and the measures being taken to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe.
The deputy commissioner instructed the executing agencies to strictly adhere to approved engineering standards and use high quality construction materials to ensure the structure’s durability, safety and long term sustainability. He emphasised that quality should not be compromised at any stage of the project.
Highlighting the importance of public convenience, Muhammad Ali Ejaz directed the relevant authorities to continue construction activities without disrupting the smooth flow of traffic on Canal Road. He also stressed the need for comprehensive workplace safety measures to protect workers and ensure compliance with all occupational safety regulations.
In addition to the construction work, the deputy commissioner instructed the concerned departments to prepare a detailed landscaping and plantation plan around the project site. He said green development and improved surroundings would enhance the overall appeal of the facility while contributing to the city's environmental objectives.
The DC further called for close coordination among all executing departments to remove operational bottlenecks and ensure the project is completed on schedule.
According to the district administration, the floating restaurant is being developed under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif as a unique recreational facility for Lahore. Once completed, the project is expected to become a prominent tourist attraction, provide a new leisure destination for residents and visitors, and contribute to the beautification of the provincial capital while supporting the growth of the local tourism sector.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore Development Authority has advised that construction excavation across the city should be avoided until August 15 due to the risk of accidents and land subsidence during the monsoon season.
The warning is particularly important for houses and commercial buildings under construction, basement projects and sites where deep excavation is being carried out for foundations.
According to the LDA, continuous or heavy rainfall can soften the soil around construction sites. This may cause the ground to sink, excavation walls to collapse and nearby buildings or properties to suffer damage.
Residents, builders, contractors and construction companies have been advised not to begin new excavation work until August 15. They have also been directed to ensure proper safety measures at sites where the ground has already been excavated.
Rainwater collecting in basements, foundation pits and other excavated areas can weaken the soil and increase risks for workers, residents and pedestrians. Construction site owners have therefore been advised to install safety barriers and arrange the immediate drainage of accumulated water.
Owners and contractors should regularly inspect the soil, foundations and walls around open excavation sites. Work should be stopped immediately if cracks, ground movement or leaning walls are observed, and the site should be examined by qualified experts.
The LDA said the precautionary instructions are intended to protect human lives, nearby homes and other properties from possible damage during the monsoon season. Citizens have also been encouraged to report unsafe construction activity to the relevant authorities.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
The Government of Punjab has officially renamed the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) as the Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority (PWCHAA), marking a significant expansion of the institution’s legal mandate and operational responsibilities across the province.
The change was formalized through an official government notification issued on Wednesday under the amended provincial law, with the new name taking immediate effect. Under the revised framework, all future government notifications, official correspondence, administrative records, legal documents, and institutional communications will be issued under the name Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority, replacing the former Walled City of Lahore Authority.
Officials said the renaming reflects the government's decision to broaden the authority’s jurisdiction beyond the historic Walled City of Lahore, enabling it to undertake conservation, restoration, and management of heritage sites, historic urban centers, and culturally significant areas throughout Punjab.
The expanded mandate is expected to strengthen the province’s efforts to preserve architectural heritage while supporting urban regeneration and sustainable development initiatives. The authority will continue implementing conservation projects, restoring historically significant buildings, improving public spaces, and promoting responsible tourism in heritage destinations.
In addition to safeguarding historic structures, the authority will focus on increasing public engagement, enhancing cultural awareness, and developing new initiatives aimed at protecting Punjab’s diverse historical and archaeological assets. Officials believe the province wide approach will help preserve cultural identity while creating greater economic opportunities through heritage based tourism.
The restructuring also aligns with the Punjab government’s broader strategy of integrating heritage conservation with urban planning and community development. By extending its scope beyond Lahore, the authority is expected to play a more comprehensive role in protecting the province’s historic cities, monuments, and cultural landscapes for future generations.