Punjab Province

Rawalpindi : ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has launched formal proceedings to review and potentially revoke the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) issued for proposed service areas along the Rawalpindi Ring Road after concerns surfaced that the approvals were granted without prior authorization from the provincial government.
According to official sources, the disputed NOCs were allegedly issued by former officials of the Rawalpindi district administration in an effort to alter the design of the multibillion-rupee infrastructure project without securing mandatory government approval. The provincial government has directed authorities to compile the complete record related to the approvals for a comprehensive legal, administrative, and financial review.
As part of the inquiry, officials are examining all relevant documentation, including meeting minutes, departmental correspondence, and the legal framework under which the approvals were issued. The investigation will determine whether established procedures, regulatory requirements, and administrative protocols were fully observed before the NOCs were granted.
Authorities are also assessing the potential financial implications of the disputed approvals, including any additional costs or design changes that could affect the project's overall budget and implementation schedule. If procedural irregularities or violations are confirmed, disciplinary action may be taken against those found responsible.
The review comes at a time when the Rawalpindi Ring Road project continues to experience delays due to a combination of technical and administrative challenges. Construction remains incomplete at several locations, while fencing, utility relocation, and other engineering works are still underway, preventing the project's planned inauguration.
Several government agencies, including the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), the National Highway Authority (NHA), the Irrigation Department, and the district administration, are coordinating efforts to address the remaining obstacles and accelerate project completion.
Following the completion of the review, the Punjab government will decide whether the disputed service area NOCs should remain valid or be cancelled. Officials involved in the project maintain that all outstanding issues will be resolved in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements to ensure transparency, safeguard public resources, and facilitate the timely completion of one of Punjab's most significant transport infrastructure projects.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
The Government of Punjab has officially renamed the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) as the Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority (PWCHAA), marking a significant expansion of the institution’s legal mandate and operational responsibilities across the province.
The change was formalized through an official government notification issued on Wednesday under the amended provincial law, with the new name taking immediate effect. Under the revised framework, all future government notifications, official correspondence, administrative records, legal documents, and institutional communications will be issued under the name Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority, replacing the former Walled City of Lahore Authority.
Officials said the renaming reflects the government's decision to broaden the authority’s jurisdiction beyond the historic Walled City of Lahore, enabling it to undertake conservation, restoration, and management of heritage sites, historic urban centers, and culturally significant areas throughout Punjab.
The expanded mandate is expected to strengthen the province’s efforts to preserve architectural heritage while supporting urban regeneration and sustainable development initiatives. The authority will continue implementing conservation projects, restoring historically significant buildings, improving public spaces, and promoting responsible tourism in heritage destinations.
In addition to safeguarding historic structures, the authority will focus on increasing public engagement, enhancing cultural awareness, and developing new initiatives aimed at protecting Punjab’s diverse historical and archaeological assets. Officials believe the province wide approach will help preserve cultural identity while creating greater economic opportunities through heritage based tourism.
The restructuring also aligns with the Punjab government’s broader strategy of integrating heritage conservation with urban planning and community development. By extending its scope beyond Lahore, the authority is expected to play a more comprehensive role in protecting the province’s historic cities, monuments, and cultural landscapes for future generations.

Lahore : Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan
The real estate market in DHA Lahore is witnessing a gradual recovery, with industry stakeholders reporting a steady increase in daily property transfers and renewed investor confidence. Market participants attribute the improving trend to a series of recent economic and taxation reforms that are expected to encourage greater investment and transaction activity in the coming months.
According to industry representatives, the abolition of Section 7E, the planned reduction in withholding taxes under Sections 236C and 236K in the upcoming fiscal year, and lower FBR valuation rates have collectively created a more favourable environment for buyers and investors. These measures, coupled with improving market sentiment, are contributing to higher levels of real estate activity across DHA Lahore.
Despite the positive momentum, industry leaders have expressed serious concern over the growing influence of what they describe as the "data mafia," warning that unethical market practices are undermining confidence and disrupting legitimate property transactions.
According to the association, certain individuals allegedly contact property owners without verification and quote inflated prices or circulate misleading market rates. Such practices often persuade sellers to reconsider or withdraw from already agreed transactions, resulting in financial losses and legal complications for buyers, sellers and real estate agents alike.
Ch Tauqeer Asif Director Information DHA Estate Agents Association stated that several complaints related to these activities have already been submitted to its relevant committees for review. It has urged all chief executives and member firms to closely monitor the activities of staff involved in property data operations and immediately report any evidence of unethical conduct.
He further announced that strict disciplinary action would be taken against individuals or offices found involved in such practices in order to protect professional standards, maintain market transparency and safeguard the interests of genuine investors and stakeholders.
Meanwhile, members have also been encouraged to adopt "DHAConnects", the official digital platform launched for Android and iOS devices. The association has advised all registered members to complete office registration, strengthen their digital branding, and utilise the platform for official property listings and advertisements to promote a more transparent and professional real estate marketplace.