Punjab Province

Kot Addu: [ReNews Pakistan]
A 90 year old widow in Kot Addu has finally regained possession of her land after a prolonged legal and familial dispute spanning 56 years, following action by the local administration to recover the property from alleged illegal occupation.
The case originates from Bait Qaim Wala in Basti Gaadi, where the widow’s one kanal and three marlas of land had allegedly remained under the possession of her close relatives, identified as Jahangir and Muhammad Rashid, for more than five decades.
According to the report, the elderly woman had consistently sought restoration of her property over the years, but repeated efforts by local elders and community members to resolve the dispute through mediation did not succeed.
The matter remained unresolved until the local administration intervened and carried out an operation to retrieve the land, ultimately restoring it to the widow’s ownership and possession.
The dispute, described as one of long duration, drew attention due to both the extended timeframe and the age of the claimant, who spent decades attempting to recover her property.
Officials have not provided detailed information regarding the specific legal or procedural steps taken during the recovery process, but confirmed that the land had been returned after being declared under unlawful occupation.
With the administrative action completed, the decades-old property dispute has now been concluded, bringing relief to the elderly widow after a prolonged legal and personal struggle.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
The automated building plan approval system “eBiz” in Lahore is facing serious technical and administrative issues, causing significant inconvenience and unusually long delays for citizens. Although the system was introduced to ensure transparency and speed up approvals, it is increasingly becoming an obstacle rather than a facilitation tool.
According to sources, the backlog of pending applications at the Lahore Development Authority’s (LDA) One Window Cell has increased to 18 days, prompting serious concern from senior officials. Citizens report that even minor building plan approvals are being delayed unnecessarily, disrupting construction projects across the city.
Reports indicate that a lack of effective monitoring of the eBiz system and the unnecessary delay of cases have also drawn the ire of the Chief Secretary’s office. In a related meeting, LDA officials reportedly faced tough questions and criticism over the situation.
Sources further reveal that citizens’ applications are being repeatedly transferred between various departments, particularly the Town Planning Wing and the Directorate of Architect, resulting in further delays and procedural complications.
It has also been reported that poor coordination between the LDA IT Wing and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) is worsening the situation, while internal blame-shifting among departments has further hindered efforts to improve the system.
Officials maintain that the primary objective of the E-Biz system was to streamline, digitize, and make the building plan approval process more transparent and efficient.
However, due to ongoing administrative and technical challenges, the system is currently causing delays and difficulties rather than providing relief to citizens.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has launched a large-scale enforcement operation across the city against illegal constructions, unauthorized commercial activities, and defaulters of commercial fees, resulting in the demolition of multiple structures and the sealing of 193 properties. The action was carried out under the special directives of LDA Director General Tahir Farooq by the Town Planning Wing.
LDA teams conducted operations in several areas including Punjab University Society, Naz Town, PCSIR Society, Nishat e Iqbal, Gulberg, New Garden Town, Gulshan Ravi, Gojra Purra, Samanabad, Allama Iqbal Town, and Sabzazar. During the operation, several illegal shops and constructions were demolished, while multiple properties were sealed for unauthorized commercial use and non-payment of dues.
According to LDA officials, illegal constructions were removed in Punjab University Society, while unauthorized shops were also targeted in Naz Town, PCSIR Society, and Nishat e Iqbal Road. On Jan Muhammad Road, 30 properties were sealed for illegal commercial use, while 24 properties were sealed in Gulberg and New Garden Town.
The authority further stated that 89 properties were sealed in Gulshan Ravi, Gojra Purra, and Samanabad over illegal commercial activities and non-payment of commercial fees. Additionally, 50 more properties were sealed during a recovery operation in Allama Iqbal Town and Sabzazar.
The sealed premises include private schools, academies, pharmacies, clinics, grocery stores, hardware shops, electric outlets, beauty salons, workshops, restaurants, food points, offices, and other commercial establishments.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Chief Town Planner-I Asad ul Zaman and Chief Town Planner-II Azhar Ali. Director General LDA Tahir Farooq reiterated that indiscriminate action against illegal constructions, unauthorized commercial buildings, and fee defaulters will continue to ensure the enforcement of laws across the city.