Punjab Province

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
Lahore Development Authority Vice Chairman Mian Marghoob Ahmad, accompanied by LDA Director General Tahir Farooq, visited the Bhati Chowk Underpass and Data Darbar Expansion Project to review the progress of ongoing construction and finishing works.
During the visit, officials briefed them on the current status of both development projects.
The officials said the main construction work on the Bhati Chowk Underpass had been completed, while finishing work was being carried out at a fast pace. Solar lights have been installed around the underpass, and road signage is also being placed to improve traffic flow and guide commuters.
The delegation was further informed that finishing work on the pedestrian underpass was progressing rapidly. Work on the parking area and landscaped green spaces was also nearing completion.
Chief Engineer TEPA Iqrar Hussain briefed the officials on the challenges caused by monsoon rains and outlined the measures being taken to ensure the timely drainage of rainwater from the project area.
LDA Director General Tahir Farooq directed the relevant teams to complete all finishing work before the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain and the annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh Ali Hajveri.
He said the timely completion of the project was essential to facilitate devotees, visitors and commuters expected to arrive in large numbers during the religious events.
The director general also ordered the deployment of drainage teams in two shifts to ensure the prompt removal of rainwater and an immediate response to any situation arising from heavy monsoon rainfall.
Vice Chairman Mian Marghoob Ahmad directed the authorities to clear the roads surrounding the underpass at the earliest and complete all remaining work within the stipulated timeframe so the project could become fully operational for the public.

Faisalabad: [ReNews Pakistan]
Divisional Commissioner Mussarat Jabeen has directed all relevant government departments to expedite the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and complete outstanding legal requirements for private housing schemes awaiting approval from the Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA), aiming to accelerate development and improve public access to essential services.
The directives were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the commissioner to review the approval process for private housing schemes and identify the key factors causing delays.
During the meeting, FDA Director General Muhammad Asif Chaudhary informed participants that a number of housing schemes remain pending because concerned departments have not yet issued the required NOCs or completed other mandatory legal formalities.
Commissioner Jabeen instructed all institutions involved in the approval process to strengthen coordination and treat pending NOCs and related documentation as a priority. She stressed that unnecessary delays in approvals not only slow down development but also prevent residents from receiving essential civic amenities such as electricity and natural gas connections.
She further directed the Deputy Commissioner to regularly monitor the progress of housing schemes under FDA review and ensure that issues delaying approvals are resolved without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
In addition to speeding up approvals, the commissioner emphasized the importance of public safety in private housing developments. She ordered authorities to ensure that all sewerage manholes are fitted with protective covers and that additional safety measures are implemented wherever required to prevent accidents.
Warning against negligence, Jabeen said strict action would be taken against any individual or department found responsible for incidents resulting in loss of life or property due to inadequate safety arrangements.
The meeting reflects the administration's broader effort to streamline the approval process for private housing projects, improve inter-departmental coordination, and ensure that new housing developments comply with legal and safety standards while delivering timely services to residents.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has sealed 94 properties across different parts of the city during a major crackdown on illegal commercial activity and the non-payment of commercialization fees.
The operations were conducted by the LDA Town Planning Wing on the instructions of Director General LDA Tahir Farooq in areas falling under the authority’s jurisdiction.
According to the LDA, enforcement teams carried out operations on Defence Road, Gulberg, Faisal Town, Canal Road, Gulshan Ravi, Mustafa Town and Azam Garden against properties involved in unauthorized commercial use or defaulting on outstanding dues.
During the operation, 20 properties were sealed on Defence Road, while another 30 properties were closed in Gulberg and Faisal Town for illegal commercial use.
Similarly, 30 properties on Canal Road and in Gulshan Ravi were sealed over unauthorized commercial activity and the non-payment of commercialization fees. A further 14 properties were sealed in Mustafa Town and Azam Garden during a recovery operation.
The sealed properties included private schools, bakeries, beauty salons, cafés, restaurants, food outlets, pharmacies, grocery stores, electrical shops, clinics, automobile workshops, offices and other commercial establishments.
The operation was supervised by Chief Town Planner One Asad uz Zaman and Chief Town Planner Two Azhar Ali.
Director General LDA Tahir Farooq said action against illegal commercial buildings and properties defaulting on commercialization fees would continue without discrimination.
He directed the relevant officials to intensify enforcement against unauthorized construction and illegal commercial use to ensure compliance with urban planning regulations and the rule of law across the city.