Punjab Province

Gujrat (Re News Pakistan)
The district administration has reclaimed 61 kanals of state land and formally restored possession to 86 rightful allottees under the Jinnah Abadi Scheme. The land had allegedly been occupied illegally by a local influential figure for the past forty years.

According to the district administration’s spokesperson, the action was taken under the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance 2025. Deputy Commissioner Gujrat Noorulain Qureshi chaired a meeting of the Dispute Resolution Committee at Soliwind village, holding the proceedings directly at the disputed site to ensure transparency and an immediate settlement.

During the meeting, the committee heard all parties and ordered that possession be returned to the allottees. A revenue team subsequently took full control of the land and handed it over on the spot. Kharian Assistant Commissioner Ahmed Sher Gondal, along with the tehsildar, lawango, patwari and other revenue officials, was present during the operation.

The district administration stated that a zero tolerance policy is being enforced against illegal occupation of state land, and that all such cases are being resolved promptly under Punjab government directives.

Officials further clarified that despite decades of influence and resistance from the encroacher, the rightful ownership of all 86 families had now been restored. Local residents expressed gratitude to the administration for reclaiming the land and returning it to its legitimate holders.

@ Re News Pakistan

(Re News Bureau Desk)
The Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday chaired a high level meeting that approved major urban reforms and an extensive traffic management plan for Lahore and other major cities of the province. The decisions are expected to directly affect urban infrastructure, land use, commercial activity and the daily life of residents.

The meeting decided that all wedding halls without proper parking facilities will be shut down. The Chief Minister directed that every wedding hall must provide an organised parking area along with a complete traffic management plan, otherwise its operating permission will be cancelled. This move is expected to have a direct impact on Lahore’s commercial land use policy and the existing traffic load around key corridors.

The government also approved a complete ban on the entry of Qingqi rickshaws on five model roads of Lahore in order to improve traffic flow and strengthen safety across major transport corridors. In addition, all important U turns in the city will be redesigned to reduce accidents and ease congestion on busy intersections.

The Chief Minister issued a final warning to the traffic authorities, giving them a thirty day deadline to improve the city’s traffic situation. She cautioned that if performance does not improve, major administrative changes will follow within the department. She stressed that an efficient traffic system is a fundamental part of Lahore’s urban structure and can no longer be overlooked.

(Re-News Reporting Desk)
The Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) has restored electricity to four residential projects in Bahria Town Lahore after the housing society cleared outstanding dues amounting to Rs682.2 million. Power supply was resumed immediately after the payment was made.

A Lesco spokesperson confirmed that electricity to all four schemes, including the main Bahria Town near Mohlanwal, had been fully restored. The sudden suspension of power a day earlier had caused serious concern among residents, who had announced a protest to be held after Friday prayers.

According to Lesco chief executive Ramzan Butt, the final deadline for bill payment was initially 21 November, later extended to 23 November at the society’s request, with further extensions granted in the following days. However, after the last deadline of 27 November also passed without payment, the company disconnected supply. The main Bahria Town project alone owed more than Rs530 million, he said.

The CEO added that instead of clearing the dues, the housing society approached the court, reportedly to seek relief, but before any ruling could be obtained, Lesco proceeded with the disconnection in line with its regulations.

It is worth noting that in 2024 Lesco had also cut power to Bahria Town over unpaid electricity bills exceeding Rs760 million.