Lahore Division

Lahore | Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan
Several projects aimed at restoring and improving basic civic facilities across Punjab have been completed in the directions of the Punjab Ombudsman.
According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Ombudsman, following public complaints, the relevant departments took immediate action for road repairs, restoration of streetlights, cleanliness measures, closure of open manholes and improvement of drainage systems.
The spokesperson said approximately Rs 3.3 million was spent on the completion of these projects, resulting in the restoration of civic facilities to improve and standard levels in different cities and areas.
The repair and restoration of streetlights have made public places safer and better illuminated, while improvements to footpaths and pedestrian routes have enhanced public convenience and safety.
Similarly, the cleaning and rehabilitation of drains and drainage systems have also led to a noticeable improvement in the overall sanitation situation.
The spokesperson said these measures reflect a practical commitment to the swift redressal of public complaints, resolution of civic problems and provision of better municipal facilities to citizens.
The Office of the Punjab Ombudsman reaffirmed its commitment to continuing effective monitoring and timely action to resolve problems faced by citizens across the province.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA), on the directives of Director General Tahir Farooq, has launched a major crackdown against illegal commercial buildings, unlawful commercial use and commercial fee defaulters, sealing a total of 134 properties across different areas falling under LDA control.
LDA teams conducted operations in Gulberg, Model Town, Gulshan Ravi, Gujjarpura, New Muslim Town, Azam Garden and Mustafa Town. During the action, several properties were sealed over illegal commercial use, violations of rules and regulations, and non-payment of commercial fees.
According to officials, LDA teams sealed 46 properties in Gulberg and Model Town over illegal commercial use, while 63 properties were preceded against in Gulshan Ravi, Gujjarpura and New Muslim Town for unlawful commercial activities and non-payment of commercial fees.
Similarly, during a recovery operation, 46 properties were also sealed in Azam Garden and Mustafa Town. The sealed properties included private schools, colleges, academies, beauty salons, clinics, grocery stores, bakeries, pharmacies, auto workshops, electric stores, restaurants, food points, shops, offices and other commercial units.
According to the LDA, the operation was carried out under the supervision of Chief Town Planner-I Asaduzzaman. LDA Director General Tahir Farooq said indiscriminate action against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters would continue. He added that no leniency would be shown to properties violating laws in LDA controlled areas.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved development projects worth billions of rupees under the District Development Plan, aimed at further empowering districts financially and administratively through the use of local revenue.
An important meeting of commissioners was held under the chairmanship of the Punjab chief minister, during which the commissioners of Sahiwal, Sargodha, Faisalabad and Multan divisions gave detailed briefings on available resources, local revenue and proposed development schemes in their respective areas.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif made it clear that mere formality or “eyewash” in development projects would not be acceptable, adding that real groundwork must be visible. She directed commissioners to remain present in the field instead of being confined to their offices and to directly supervise development work.
The chief minister said that where the administration has authority, responsibility also rests with it. Describing commissioners as the government’s “eyes, ears and arms,” she said no negligence would be tolerated in resolving public issues, accelerating development projects and maintaining the quality of work.
During the meeting, the chief minister expressed strong anger over the incident in Faisalabad in which a young girl died after falling into an open pit. She ordered that if any citizen falls into a manhole, the owners of the relevant housing society will be arrested.
The chief minister also directed that notices be issued to private housing societies across Punjab and that they submit a monthly affidavit confirming that no manholes are left open within their boundaries. She further ordered that all construction sites be secured in accordance with standard operating procedures and that the protection of citizens’ lives and property be ensured at all costs.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed effective monitoring of government and private school buildings, proper cordoning of construction sites and the continuation of deep cleaning campaigns in all tehsils. She said providing citizens with a safe, clean and improved urban environment is a basic responsibility of the administration.
During the briefing, it was stated that local government funds worth Rs 4 billion are available for the Sahiwal Division. These funds will be used for the reconstruction of urban roads, improvement of footpaths, beautification of entry points and provision of other basic facilities. The chief minister directed the establishment of international standard roads, modern footpaths and improved urban infrastructure in Sahiwal.
Orders were also issued for the installation of solar streetlights on Main Akbar Road in Okara, floodlights at Jinnah Stadium, and beautification of canal banks along with the installation of solar lights in Pakpattan. A target has been set to complete all 17 development schemes in Sahiwal Division by September 2026.
The meeting also approved development projects for Sargodha Division worth Rs2.8 billion from local revenue. The chief minister directed that the installation of Safe City cameras in Sargodha be expedited, urban roads in Bhakkar be upgraded, and a family park and bus stand be constructed in Quaidabad.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed that the quality of development work must remain uniform across the province and that no compromise be made on the standard of any project. She said all projects would be completed on the basis of public need, merit and transparency, with no room for favoritism or nepotism.