Punjab Province

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
The Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court has dismissed a writ petition challenging a housing project in Murree, ruling that the plea was not maintainable under Article 199 of the Constitution.
Justice Jawad Hassan announced the reserved verdict on a petition filed by Syed Nauman Shah, who had sought to halt the project on environmental grounds, alleging violations of ecological safeguards, non compliance with Supreme Court directives, and illegal use of forest and communal land.
The petitioner argued that the housing scheme 'Commoners Sky Garden', located in Mauza Mangal and Kathar, was being developed without mandatory environmental approvals and in violation of earlier Supreme Court restrictions. He also raised concerns over deforestation and encroachment that he said could damage the fragile ecosystem of the Murree region.
In response, the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) and other respondents maintained that all necessary approvals and no objection certificates had been obtained from relevant bodies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA). They further informed the court that the matter was already under consideration before a special implementation bench of the Supreme Court.
In its detailed judgment, the court observed that the petitioner had not approached the relevant forums at the appropriate stage and could not invoke constitutional jurisdiction at a belated stage involving disputed facts. It also noted that a large number of allottees had already acquired vested rights and that the project had reached an advanced stage after significant investment, making judicial interference potentially disruptive.
The court further held that enforcement of Supreme Court judgments falls within the jurisdiction of the apex court itself, particularly where a dedicated implementation bench is already seized of the matter. Allowing parallel proceedings before the High Court, it added, would lead to unnecessary litigation and undermine the constitutional framework.
The petition was also found to contain vague and multiple prayers, which the court ruled are not permissible under Article 199(1 A), introduced through the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
Dismissing the petition, the court allowed the petitioner to pursue remedies before the appropriate legal forum.

Pattoki: [Sadaf Arshad District Coordinator ReNews Pakistan]
The land selection process is currently underway for the construction of a disposal station in Phoolnagar aimed at providing a long-term solution to drainage and sewerage issues in the area and surrounding localities. Various sites are being reviewed to identify the most suitable location for the project.
Authorities are focusing on selecting land where construction of the disposal station can effectively address water disposal challenges and improve urban drainage infrastructure.
Officials stated that improving sewerage and drainage systems in Phoolnagar and nearby areas remains a priority, while technical and land suitability factors are being carefully considered during the site selection process.
Residents have expressed hope that the project will help reduce water accumulation and sewerage problems, particularly during the rainy season, and improve overall civic infrastructure.

Lahore | Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan
The DHA Estate Agents Association Lahore has issued its official notification for the Election 2026, introducing significant changes to electoral rules, fee structures, and candidate eligibility criteria.
According to a statement issued by the association’s Secretary Information, Chaudhry Touqeer Asif, the revised framework includes stricter regulations governing voting rights, candidature eligibility, financial obligations, and the overall organisational structure of the association.
He stated that elections will be held every two years in December. Only those members who are duly registered with DHA Lahore and have cleared all outstanding dues by September 30 will be eligible to vote or contest in the elections. Failure to meet the deadline will result in disqualification from both voting and candidature.
The notification further states that several new financial and procedural conditions have been introduced for candidates, including deposits, donations, and educational requirements.
Under the new rules, a non refundable deposit of Rs. 200,000 has been set for presidential or chief executive candidates, while successful candidates will be required to submit a donation of Rs 1,000,000.
For vice president and secretary positions, the deposit has been fixed at Rs 100,000, with a post-election donation of Rs 500,000 for successful candidates. For other director-level positions, a deposit of Rs 50,000 will be required, along with a donation of Rs 100,000 upon success.
According to the notification, nomination forms will be issued until October 30 and must be submitted within ten days of issuance. Each candidate must be supported by one proposer and one seconder.
Under the election procedure, the 11 candidates securing the highest number of votes will be declared successful. In case of a tie, the decision will be made through a draw of lots. Ballot boxes will be opened immediately after polling, and final results will be announced within 48 hours.
Strict Electoral Restrictions Introduced The new regulations clearly state that no member will be allowed to contest elections for more than two consecutive terms. Removal of ballot boxes from the polling station has been strictly prohibited, and any violation of rules may lead to disqualification of a candidate.
It has also been stated that the election process will remain valid even if any member does not receive official notices or documents.
Membership Rules and Fee Structure Revised A registration fee of Rs 10,000 will be required with each membership application, while the annual membership fee has also been set at Rs 10,000, subject to change with approval from the general body.
All new applicants must submit a complete membership form and will be interviewed by a three-member committee. Applicants must also have a registered office or business premises. Only registered DHA Lahore members will be eligible to vote.
According to the notification, membership will be suspended if dues remain unpaid for two years, while failure to pay for three consecutive years will result in termination of membership. Restoration will require payment of all outstanding dues and penalties.
Under the revised election rules, a minimum graduate degree has been made mandatory for presidential candidates, while a minimum qualification of intermediate level has been set for candidates contesting the remaining 10 seats.