Punjab Province

Lahore | Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan
On the directives of Lahore Development Authority Director General Tahir Farooq, the LDA Town Planning Wing carried out a major operation against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters, sealing a total of 158 properties in different areas falling within the LDA controlled jurisdiction.
LDA teams conducted operations in Gulberg, New Garden Town, PIA Scheme, Gulshan e Ravi, Gujjarpura, Canal Road, Samanabad, Shadbagh and Sabzazar. During the crackdown, several properties were sealed over illegal commercial use, violation of approved land use and non-payment of commercial fees.
According to officials, 23 properties were sealed in Gulberg and Garden Town over illegal commercial use, while action was taken against 76 properties in Gulshan-e-Ravi, Gujjarpura, Canal Road, Samanabad and Shadbagh. Similarly, 39 properties were sealed in PIA Scheme for illegal commercial use and non payment of commercial fees.
During a recovery operation, LDA teams also sealed 20 properties in Sabzazar. The sealed properties included private schools, halls, academies, bakeries, pharmacies, beauty salons, clinics, grocery stores, workshops, cloth shops, electric stores, restaurants, food points, shops, offices and other commercial units.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Chief Town Planner-I Asad uz Zaman and Chief Town Planner-II Azhar Ali. LDA officials said indiscriminate action against illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters would continue across the city.
LDA DG Tahir Farooq said illegal commercial use, violation of land use and non-payment of dues would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He directed the relevant officers to continue operations against illegal commercial activities in LDA controlled areas in a more effective manner.

Lahore: [Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan]
An important meeting of the Planning and Design Committee was held under the chairmanship of Lahore Development Authority Director General Tahir Farooq, during which various cases submitted through the e-Biz Portal were reviewed in detail.
During the meeting, the cases presented before the committee were approved or rejected in accordance with the relevant laws, rules, regulations and land use policy. The LDA DG directed that implementation of the approved land use must be ensured in all cases cleared by the Planning and Design Committee.
He made it clear that in all approved cases, setback areas must be cleared to avoid any negative impact on urban planning, traffic flow and civic facilities. Tahir Farooq said that public awareness is also essential to address Lahore’s growing parking issues, while parking availability should be treated as a key condition during the approval process.
He particularly directed that parking arrangements must be ensured at the time of approval for educational institutions, schools, academies, gyms and sports centres. He further instructed that before granting approvals, recovery of any applicable penalty fees related to illegal change of use or other violations must also be ensured.
The meeting also reviewed various cases related to schools, petrol pumps, rehabilitation centres, medical centres and other establishments, with several cases approved in accordance with the law.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue, Chief Metropolitan Planner, Chief Town Planner-I, Chief Town Planner-II, and representatives of LDA, MCL, TEPA, WASA and the DC Office attended the meeting. Directors from all zones of the LDA Town Planning Wing were also present.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
A major connectivity milestone has been achieved with the opening of the new road linking DHA and Formanites, officially connecting Phase 5 Ring Road with Phase 9.
The newly established road link is expected to provide significant relief to thousands of residents who have long faced heavy traffic congestion and daily commuting delays in the area. By creating a smoother and more direct route between key residential and commercial zones, the project is set to improve overall traffic flow and reduce pressure on existing roads.
The connection between DHA, Formanites and Phase 9 is also being viewed as an important step toward strengthening local infrastructure. Residents believe the project will not only save travel time but also improve access to nearby communities, educational institutions, business centres and major road networks.
According to Malik Kashif and other community representatives, the road addresses one of the most pressing traffic bottlenecks that had affected residents for years. The improved route is expected to make daily movement more convenient for families, students, office workers and businesses operating in and around DHA and its adjoining areas.
Beyond easing traffic pressure, the project is also likely to support a new phase of development and growth in the surrounding locality. Better road access often plays a key role in improving property value, encouraging commercial activity and making residential communities more attractive for living and investment.
Speaking on the development, Malik Kashif described the completion of the road as a great milestone for the community. He said the new connection would help make DHA and its surroundings an even better place to live, work and invest.
He also expressed gratitude to all individuals and institutions who contributed to making the project possible.
The opening of the road marks an important infrastructure improvement for the area and is expected to deliver long term benefits for residents, commuters and investors alike.