Punjab Province

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore Development Authority has advised that construction excavation across the city should be avoided until August 15 due to the risk of accidents and land subsidence during the monsoon season.
The warning is particularly important for houses and commercial buildings under construction, basement projects and sites where deep excavation is being carried out for foundations.
According to the LDA, continuous or heavy rainfall can soften the soil around construction sites. This may cause the ground to sink, excavation walls to collapse and nearby buildings or properties to suffer damage.
Residents, builders, contractors and construction companies have been advised not to begin new excavation work until August 15. They have also been directed to ensure proper safety measures at sites where the ground has already been excavated.
Rainwater collecting in basements, foundation pits and other excavated areas can weaken the soil and increase risks for workers, residents and pedestrians. Construction site owners have therefore been advised to install safety barriers and arrange the immediate drainage of accumulated water.
Owners and contractors should regularly inspect the soil, foundations and walls around open excavation sites. Work should be stopped immediately if cracks, ground movement or leaning walls are observed, and the site should be examined by qualified experts.
The LDA said the precautionary instructions are intended to protect human lives, nearby homes and other properties from possible damage during the monsoon season. Citizens have also been encouraged to report unsafe construction activity to the relevant authorities.

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.