Punjab Province

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
An important meeting was held under the Lahore Heritage Areas Revival (LHAR) to discuss the restoration of the original historical names of Lahore’s roads, streets and areas. The meeting reviewed various aspects related to the protection of the city’s historical, cultural and urban heritage.
Scholars, historians, architects, urban planners and prominent citizens attended the meeting. The purpose of the forum was to consider the proposal for restoring the traditional and historical names of different areas, streets and roads of Lahore that have either changed over time or gradually faded from public use.
Participants said Lahore is not merely a city, but a centre of centuries old civilizational, cultural and historical heritage. They observed that the city’s old names are deeply connected with its identity, local history, traditions and collective memory, making their preservation essential for protecting Lahore’s original character.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the historical relevance of various names, their background, connection with local communities, documentation of the city’s past and their impact on urban identity. Participants also stressed that restoring historical names would not only help preserve Lahore’s cultural heritage but also promote tourism, academic research and public awareness.
The forum also discussed that the process of restoring historical names should move forward carefully, on the basis of authentic research and consultation with relevant institutions, so that historical facts related to any area or road can be presented accurately.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants agreed that Lahore’s historical identity is a valuable national heritage that deserves protection for future generations. They said restoring the city’s original historical names could prove to be an important effort to connect Lahore’s past, present and future.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has decided to construct markets and commercial plazas on vacant plots and open spaces located within its housing schemes across Rawalpindi.
The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Commissioner Rawalpindi Abdul Aamer Khattak. Senior officials of the authority, including Additional Director General Masood Ahmad and Chief Engineer Anwar Baran, also attended the meeting.
During the briefing, the Estate Management Directorate presented details of a new asset management initiative aimed at identifying and utilizing vacant properties and open spaces in 13 housing schemes owned by the RDA.
Officials informed the meeting that the proposed initiative is designed to protect RDA land from illegal occupation, encroachments and land grabbing. They said commercial development on unused land would not only help secure public assets but also create sustainable sources of revenue for the authority.
According to officials, the plan focuses on better use of land already available within existing housing schemes. Markets, plazas and other commercial facilities may be developed at selected sites after completion of design, planning and approval processes.
Commissioner Abdul Aamer Khattak directed RDA officials to take all necessary steps to convert unused land into productive and income generating assets. He said public land should be managed in a structured and transparent manner so that it can support urban development and improve service delivery.
The commissioner also instructed the RDA to extend full cooperation to the Estate Management Directorate for the implementation of the initiative. He directed the relevant departments to prepare project designs for the proposed commercial developments on a priority basis.
Officials said the initiative is expected to help the RDA improve land management, prevent encroachments and strengthen its financial position through planned commercial activity within its housing schemes.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has approved a major plan to expand parking infrastructure in Lahore and other large urban centres of the province, in a move aimed at addressing chronic parking shortages, illegal roadside parking and growing traffic congestion in commercial areas.
Under the proposed initiative, modern underground parking plazas and smart parking systems will be developed in inner Lahore, the Walled City and major business districts. Officials said the plan is part of a broader urban traffic management strategy designed to improve vehicle movement, reduce pressure on busy roads and provide organised parking facilities for citizens.
In Lahore, preparations are already under way to expand the network of underground parking plazas. According to officials, construction work is in progress on several parking facilities being managed by the Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency. A new parking plaza has also been proposed near Bhati Gate, while additional sites inside the Walled City are being identified and developed in phases.
The Walled City of Lahore Authority has been assigned the task of identifying suitable land and preparing feasibility studies for the proposed parking projects. The Lahore Development Authority will oversee engineering, design and construction work after the locations are finalised.
Officials said the initiative will not remain limited to Lahore. Deputy commissioners of other major cities facing serious parking problems have also been asked to submit proposals for new parking plazas. These proposals will help the provincial government prepare a wider parking development program for urban centres across Punjab.
Sources said more than 20 parking plazas are likely to be included in the upcoming Annual Development Program. The final list of projects will be prepared after recommendations from district administrations, relevant authorities and technical institutions.
After technical review and formal approval by the LDA forum, the proposed projects are expected to be included in the next provincial budget for funding allocation.
Officials believe the plan, once implemented, could help reduce traffic bottlenecks in busy markets and improve urban mobility in Lahore and other Punjab cities.