Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has started preparing major changes to housing rules to promote low cost residential projects in the province. The proposed amendments are aimed at encouraging the private sector to construct affordable homes, increase investment in the housing sector and improve residential opportunities for ordinary citizens.
According to sources, the Punjab government has prepared a proposal to amend the “Affordable Private Housing Schemes Rules”. Under the proposed changes, private and cooperative housing schemes may be required to allocate at least 20 percent of their residential area for low-cost housing.
As per the proposed policy, this allocated portion in any private or cooperative housing scheme will be considered an “Affordable Housing Scheme”. Officials said housing schemes that allocate more than 20 percent of their area for low-cost residential projects will be given special incentives.
The policy proposals suggest that schemes allocating a larger share for low-cost housing may receive 20 to 80 percent concessions in various government fees. These concessions may include approval fees related to maps, water supply, sewerage, roads and bridges.
Sources said a reduction has also been recommended in the ratio of land mortgaged for the completion of development works. The purpose of this step is to reduce financial pressure on developers and ensure timely completion of housing projects.
The proposed amendments also include recommendations to simplify and speed up the approval process for housing schemes. A proposal is under consideration to reduce the approval period for different stages from 90 days to 60 days, so investors and developers do not face unnecessary delays.
Officials said the new housing policy will be made part of the upcoming budget. Through this policy, the private sector will be provided effective incentives to invest in low-cost housing projects.
Experts believe that if the proposed amendments are implemented effectively, the supply of affordable homes in Punjab may increase, while investment and construction activity in the housing sector could also gain momentum.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
An important stakeholders’ consultative meeting on Lahore Master Plan 2050 was held under the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), where various key aspects, including the city’s future planning, environmental protection, civic facilities, infrastructure needs and possible population growth, were reviewed in detail.
The meeting was attended by LDA Director General Tahir Farooq, RUDA CEO Imran Amin, WWF Director General Hammad Khan Naqi, Nadia Qureshi from SUS Urban Unit, LDA Chief Metropolitan Planning Faisal Masood Qureshi, experts from the Urban Unit and WWF nominated by the Lahore High Court, Lahore Bachao Tehreek expert architect Kamil Khan Mumtaz, members of the Lahore Master Plan Review Committee and other relevant officials.
During the meeting, consultant firm Dar Al Handasah, which is working on the master plan, gave a detailed briefing on the current working of Lahore Master Plan 2050.
The briefing stated that the master plan is being prepared while keeping in view the possible future increase in population, unplanned urban expansion, housing needs, civic facilities, public transportation, travel requirements and pedestrian facilities.
According to officials, Lahore Master Plan 2050 is also giving special importance to the city’s culture, parks, green belts, water resources and environmental protection, so that Lahore’s future development can move forward on more organized, sustainable and environment-friendly lines.
The meeting was informed that, in light of Lahore High Court’s directions, Lahore Master Plan 2050 is being reviewed in consultation with all stakeholders. In this regard, WWF and the Urban Unit are also reviewing the technical aspects of the master plan. Environmental pollution, smog, unplanned industrial expansion, and social and economic challenges are being given special consideration in the planning process.
The briefing further stated that key matters such as high-rise buildings, construction of commercial and residential high-rise properties, future infrastructure needs, wastewater disposal and water treatment plants have also been included in the master plan. Special attention is being paid at both government and private levels to water usage, drainage and treatment systems.
The meeting was told that consultations and proposals from both the private and public sectors have been included in the preparation of Lahore Master Plan 2050, so that the plan remains aligned with the city’s ground realities, urban pressure, environmental risks and future development needs.
During the consultative meeting, all stakeholders presented their suggestions regarding Lahore Master Plan 2050. Participants said the master plan could prove to be an important document for Lahore’s future by ensuring civic and rural facilities, environmental protection, improved transport systems and balanced urban development.
WWF Director Climate Nazifa Butt and WWF GIS Manager Usman Akram also attended the meeting along with other experts.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) has accelerated work on the proposed Sports City in Lahore, with officials confirming that the process of acquiring land for the major sports infrastructure project is currently under way.
The project was discussed during a meeting between RUDA Chief Executive Officer Imran Amin and Punjab Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs Fazlur Rehman at Punjab Stadium. The meeting reviewed key aspects of the planned development, including its proposed location, planning framework, land requirements and future execution strategy.
According to officials, the Sports City is being planned as Pakistan’s first dedicated urban development focused entirely on sports. The project is expected to be completed in multiple phases and will provide modern facilities for athletes, sports organizations and major national and international events.
The proposed development will include international standard stadiums, training centres, sports complexes and other supporting infrastructure designed to promote professional sports activity in Punjab. Officials said the initiative would not only strengthen sports infrastructure in Lahore but also create new opportunities for young athletes across the province.
Punjab Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs Fazlur Rehman said the project carries major importance for the promotion and long term development of sports in Punjab.
He said the planned Sports City would include modern sports complexes and facilities built according to international standards.
Officials added that RUDA is currently working on the acquisition of land required for the project. Once the land acquisition process is completed, the authority is expected to move ahead with detailed planning and phased construction.
The Sports City project is being seen as a significant step toward developing Lahore as a major centre for sports activity, training and events, while also supporting the broader vision of planned urban development under RUDA.