Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Communications Department has prepared a major development programme for the upcoming financial year aimed at constructing residences and offices for government officers and employees, with a total cost exceeding Rs 8.36 billion.
According to official documents, the Annual Development Programme includes a total of 22 schemes, of which 8 are ongoing projects while 14 are new initiatives. It has been proposed to allocate more than Rs 2.71 billion for these projects in the next financial year.
The ongoing schemes include the construction of flats for government employees in Lahore, as well as improvement works at Punjab House Murree in Rawalpindi. In addition, construction of the Strategic Planning Unit and the Chief Engineer’s Office in Lahore also forms part of the continuing projects.
Among the new schemes, a modern building complex near Sherpao Bridge in Lahore and multi-storey residential flats have been proposed. Similarly, projects for the establishment of government offices, residences, and engineering offices in various districts across the province are also set to commence.
Officials stated that Punjab Houses will be equipped with modern facilities including generators, lifts, and other essential infrastructure to ensure improved living and working conditions for government employees. The government maintains that the completion of these projects will not only enhance infrastructure but also significantly improve the standard of public sector facilities.

Lahore: [Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan]
Authorities have finalised a comprehensive plan to restore historic structures along The Mall Lahore to their original British-era condition, aiming to preserve the city’s architectural heritage and enhance the avenue’s visual appeal.
According to official sources, the initiative will cover 104 buildings located between PMG Chowk and Charing Cross, all recognised for their historical significance. Under the plan, restoration and repair work will be carried out by the respective property owners.
In the first phase, notices have been issued to owners of 10 buildings identified as being in a severely deteriorated condition. These notices include photographic documentation of the structures, with directives to initiate restoration work within seven days. Authorities have warned that failure to comply will result in legal proceedings.
Officials said the project is designed to revive the original architectural character of the colonial-era buildings while ensuring uniformity in façades along the stretch. The Walled City of Lahore Authority will provide technical support to the district administration during implementation.
Notable buildings included in the restoration plan are Ghulam Rasool Building, Kesho Ram Building, Shah Din Manzil, Ahmed Mansion, Zaman Plaza, Khadim Center, Ziauddin Building, Kirpa Ram Building, Dhoni Mansion, and Jan Building.
Authorities added that the initiative forms part of a broader effort to safeguard Lahore’s historic identity while improving the aesthetic value of one of its most iconic thoroughfares.

Faisalabad: ReNews Pakistan
A long awaited plan to address chronic parking and traffic congestion in Faisalabad’s central business areas has entered the execution phase, as the divisional administration moves forward with the construction of five modern parking plazas worth Rs1 billion.
Chairing a high level meeting on Friday, Divisional Commissioner Musarrat Jabeen announced that work on the project would begin soon. She said the initiative aims to ease traffic pressure around the historic Clock Tower Faisalabad and its eight surrounding bazaars, which remain among the busiest commercial zones in Punjab.
The commissioner directed all relevant departments to ensure timely execution of the project in accordance with approved designs and deadlines. She emphasized that the development would not only resolve longstanding parking shortages but also contribute to better urban planning and smoother business operations in the city.
During the meeting, officials reviewed progress on the ongoing parking plaza at Chiniot Bazaar. The commissioner instructed authorities to address all pending issues on a priority basis to make the facility operational at the earliest.
Highlighting the importance of the project, she stated that Faisalabad’s Clock Tower area serves as the economic hub of the city, and improving its infrastructure is essential for enhancing commercial efficiency and public convenience. She added that the administration remains committed to introducing modern urban solutions to meet the demands of a rapidly growing metropolitan population.
A detailed briefing was given by representatives of NESPAK, who shared design features of the upcoming multi-storey plazas. The facilities will include efficient traffic flow systems and innovative use of rooftop spaces for commercial purposes.
According to officials, the new parking plazas will be constructed at key locations including Zail Ghar, Imam Bargah Road, Aminpur Bazaar, and Karkhana Bazaar, while additional arrangements are also under consideration for Chiniot Bazaar.
Once completed, the multi-level structures are expected to collectively accommodate more than 1,500 motorcycles and cars, significantly reducing roadside parking and easing congestion in the main business areas.
Senior officials, including Deputy Commissioner Captain (Retired) Nadeem Nasir, Director Development Asif Chaudhry, Chief Officer Municipal Corporation Murtaza Malik, and NESPAK engineers, were also present at the meeting.