Punjab Province

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
The Government of Punjab has enforced a comprehensive legal framework to protect urban infrastructure, public property, and essential facilities across residential, commercial, and road networks. Under the Punjab Public Utilities Infrastructure Protection Ordinance 2026, theft, illegal removal, possession, transport, or sale of public infrastructure components such as manhole covers, streetlights, and protective barriers has been formally declared a criminal offence.
The ordinance was promulgated with the approval of Sardar Salim Haider Khan on February 19 under Article 128(1) of the Constitution, as the provincial assembly was not in session and immediate legal intervention was deemed necessary. The law applies throughout Punjab and aims to safeguard urban assets that are critical for public safety, mobility, and the functioning of residential and commercial areas.
According to the ordinance, theft of public infrastructure has been declared a non-bailable offence, carrying penalties ranging from one to three years imprisonment along with fines between PKR 200,000 and PKR 3 million, or both. Illegal removal, possession, purchase, or sale of such infrastructure components may also result in imprisonment and fines ranging from PKR 500,000 to PKR 3 million.
Strict regulatory controls have also been imposed on scrap dealers and rerolling plants. These entities are only permitted to handle infrastructure materials that have been permanently deformed and rendered unusable. Violations may result in imprisonment of up to three years, fines up to PKR 1 million, or higher penalties in severe cases.
The ordinance places clear legal responsibilities on government departments, utility service providers, and local authorities to ensure the protection, inspection, and maintenance of infrastructure across roads, housing areas, and public spaces. Authorities are required to maintain proper records and keep reserve stock to ensure immediate replacement of damaged or missing infrastructure.
In cases where infrastructure is missing or damaged, relevant authorities must immediately secure the site with safety barriers and warning signs and ensure timely restoration or replacement. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action against responsible officials.
Enforcement authorities have been granted powers to inspect premises, obtain records, seize illegal materials, and seal facilities involved in violations. A whistleblower mechanism has also been introduced to encourage public reporting, strengthening the protection of urban property and ensuring safer and more secure living environments across Punjab.

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
Development work has formally progressed on three underpasses worth Rs8 billion in the cantonment area of Rawalpindi, with land preparation and environmental adjustments completed along the main urban corridor to facilitate construction and infrastructure reorganisation.
According to the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB), a total of 469 trees and 715 shrubs located along Peshawar Road between Qasim Market and Chairing Cross were carefully relocated to nearby suitable locations. The relocation was carried out to clear land required for structural works while preserving environmental assets within the urban zone.
Officials confirmed that the relocated trees have been replanted in green belts and open land parcels where adequate space is available. Additionally, the board has prepared a replantation plan under which more than 400 mature native trees and shrubs will be planted at the original sites after construction is completed. Furthermore, 74 dead trees were removed, and in accordance with environmental guidelines, ten new trees will be planted for each removed tree to maintain ecological balance.
The underpass project includes development near Race Course Park, Army Graveyard, and Chairing Cross. As part of land preparation, underground utility corridors are being established to accommodate essential service infrastructure. The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) has initiated construction of a dedicated utility corridor to facilitate organised relocation of service networks beneath the surface.
Utility relocation activities have also been completed by Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), while other service providers, including Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), are transferring their infrastructure to designated corridors to enable uninterrupted construction work.
Authorities stated that once utility relocation and site preparation are fully completed, full-scale construction will commence, with an estimated completion period of approximately 70 days. The project is expected to improve traffic flow, optimise land use along the corridor, and strengthen accessibility for surrounding commercial and residential zones.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has announced a major change in the electricity payment system for urban and residential users. Effective April 1, 2026, payments will no longer be accepted through the postal network. Consumers are required to utilize authorized alternatives, including banks, digital banking platforms, mobile applications, and QR code-based payment systems.
Company officials stated that the move aims to modernize payment procedures, improve efficiency, and enhance transparency in financial transactions across residential and commercial areas. Property administrators, housing societies, apartment complexes, and commercial building managers will need to adapt their payment processes to comply with the updated system.
Urban development and property experts note that this initiative supports the adoption of digital financial systems within city infrastructure, promoting better record-keeping and accountability. Property owners and residents are advised to make timely payments through authorized channels to avoid service disruptions.
LESCO emphasized that authorized banks, online banking portals, mobile wallets, and QR code-based payments will remain fully operational. Residents and commercial property managers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these alternative channels before the April 1 deadline to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and smooth financial management for their properties.