Latest news with #LahoreDevelopmentAuthority
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
LDA seals 86 illegal properties
LAHORE: The Lahore Development Authority has recovered plots worth millions of rupees, while 86 illegal properties were sealed during several operations against illegal constructions, illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt aims for 'dust-free Lahore'
As Lahore continues to struggle with a deteriorating air quality, the Punjab government has launched an initiative aimed at transforming the metropolis into Pakistan's first 'dust-free city'. The plan comes at a time when the city's air pollution remains a significant public health concern. On Wednesday, Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 149, classified as "unhealthy for sensitive groups," with PM2.5 concentration reaching 55 micrograms per cubic metre, far exceeding safe limits. The worsening pollution levels, attributed to a mix of construction activity, vehicular emissions, industrial output, and seasonal factors, have prompted the authorities to act. Punjab Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Noorul Amin Mengal visited the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) headquarters to review ongoing and upcoming urban development projects. LDA Director General Tahir Farooq briefed him on environmental reforms being integrated into project planning and execution. One of the key steps announced was the tightening of construction-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) to reduce airborne dust and pollution generated from infrastructure work. A uniform development standard will be introduced across all government departments to improve sustainability, visual coherence, and regulatory enforcement in urban planning. The meeting participants were told that the government also intends to legislate design guidelines for commercial property facades in a bid to reduce visual pollution and restore architectural harmony in the city. In a parallel development, a wrap-up meeting was held with the World Bank's Implementation Mission for the Punjab Clean Air Programme, which was led by Transport Task Team Leader Shyam Srinivasan.
Business Recorder
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Streamlining housing societies' affairs
EDITORIAL: Illegal housing schemes have become a persistent scam due to lax regulatory oversight. They typically are developed by politically influential individuals or those facilitated by corrupt officials in the government departments concerned. People invest their life savings in properties that are either not registered or exist only on paper. This has gone on for far too long with the relevant authorities turning a blind eye to the activity. Aspiring homeowners jointly have lost billions of rupees to fraudulent developers purchasing plots in some of the better known housing societies only to find them declared illegal. Just last March, Director General of NAB Lahore distributed cheques worth Rs 1.16 billion among 11,000 victims of one such society. The proliferation of illegal housing schemes is a matter of serious concern requiring urgent action. At a recent briefing Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was informed that the total number of housing societies in Punjab stood at 7,905, covering an area of about 2 million kanal — mostly comprising encroachments on the greenbelts surrounding cities at the expense of environment. Out of these only 2,687 are approved and almost double that number, i.e., 5,118, are illegal or under process across Punjab. In the provincial capital, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) is responsible for as many as 707 schemes, 427 of them have been given the green light while 206 fall in the illegal category — probably due to pending litigation — while 74 others are in the approval process. But private housing societies remain a problem. In many cases, their proprietors continue to build without necessary approval by greasing the palms of officials or using political connections. The result is mushroom growth of private housing schemes, especially on the fringes of the city, contributing to an unplanned urban sprawl. At the briefing session the CM said the housing schemes that have been built should be regularised as soon as possible so that people could get a relief. She also mentioned setting up of a 'housing society management system' to regularise the sector's affairs. The key, however, is not only a new management mechanism but also ensuring that developers comply with relevant rules and regulations, and the buyers are well informed. An important step in that direction is the CM's decision to introduce transparency through digitalisation of the housing schemes. If and when the plan is implemented, housing societies' approval, management, and transfer will be put online. And as announced, NOC fee will also be paid online after uploading the required documents. This should help control illegalities and also defrauding of unsuspecting buyers of non-existent plots in non-existent housing societies. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Punjab honours armed forces' victory
LAHORE: The Punjab local government department and various local and civic authorities on Friday observed Youm-e-Tashakur (day of gratitude) to pay homage to the Pakistani armed forces for successfully defending the country from its arch rival India. Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq while congratulating the nation on Thanksgiving Day said in a message that the Pakistani armed forces set an indelible example of courage and valour on May 10. 'The Pakistani nation has truly proven to be a leaden wall,' he added. He averred that the nation thanked Allah Almighty who helped Pakistan in breaking the arrogance of the enemy, and today the nation stands with their heads held high in the international community. He said the success of Operation Banyan Marsus has been acknowledged not only in Pakistan but also at the international level. 'The irony is that, on one hand, the Indian media kept making false claims of intrusion in Pakistan while on the other hand, their leadership was pleading with international powers for a ceasefire,' he added, adding that in the battle of May 2025, the three armed forces gritted the teeth of the enemy with complete coordination. 'Any enemy who looks at Pakistan with a malicious intention will think twice in the future,' he added. Meanwhile, the Lahore district administration held a series of celebrations, marking Pakistan's historic victory in Operation Banyan Marsus against India. These events showcased the Lahoris' patriotism and unity, and paid tribute to the nation's armed forces and martyrs. The 'Day of Gratitude' events included prayer sessions and patriotic rallies, all conducted with enthusiasm and discipline. A key event was the flag-hoisting ceremony at Town Hall; Metropolitan Corporation Lahore Chief Officer Shahid Abbas Kathia hoisted the national flag. On this occasion, Kathia praised the administration's efforts, stating, 'Lahore is celebrating this historic victory with full zeal, reflecting the nation's gratitude.' In his message, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza emphasised the remarkable success of Operation Banyan Marsus. He praised the armed forces, stating, 'National unity has elevated Pakistan's global standing.' He saluted the heroes of Operation Banyan Marsus, declaring that Allah has blessed Pakistan with a great victory. Highlighting the courage of the military, he said that the bravery of Pakistan's armed forces is the nation's true asset. 'Our brave soldiers have delivered a powerful response to India, and we honour their courage,' he added. He also paid tribute to the martyrs, calling them the pride of our nation, and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to peace and progress. Moreover, a Youm-e-Tashakur rally was organised by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to celebrate the success of Operation Banyan Marsus. LDA Vice Chairman Mian Marghoob Ahmed and Director General Tahir Farooq led the rally. It occurred at Khayaban Ferdowsi in Johar Town with a large turnout of LDA officers and employees. During the rally, participants offered special prayers for the martyrs and the safety and security of Pakistan. Vice Chairman Mian Marghoob Ahmed praised the bravery of the soldiers, stating that they have made Pakistan proud on the global stage. He emphasised that the Pakistani army has effectively responded to Indian aggression, and Operation Banyan Marsus serves as a testament to the nation's solidarity and unity. He declared that the people of Pakistan, alongside the army, stand firmly against any threat from India, asserting that Pakistan will prevail against adversities. Director General Tahir Farooq remarked on the significant role of the Pakistan Air Force in defeating the enemy, commending the entire nation for uniting in support of the army during this critical time. He reiterated that the nation stands resolutely with the Pakistani Army. Furthermore, the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) also held a rally to honour the Pakistan army's bravery. The rally was led by LWMC Chairman Malik Bilal Zulfiqar Khokhar and CEO Babar Sahib Din. A large number of LWMC officers and workers participated in the rally which began at the LWMC Head Office and concluded at the Lahore Press Club. Participants carried banners in support of the Pakistan Army and waved national flags, demonstrating their unwavering patriotism and gratitude. The LWMC leadership praised the sacrifices and unmatched bravery of the armed forces, stating that the entire nation stands united behind them. Prayers were also offered at the end of the rally for the safety, peace, and prosperity of Pakistan and its people. The Water and Sanitation Authority (WASA) also took part in the celebrations by organising a ceremony at the WASA Head Office in Lahore, chaired by WASA Vice Chairman Chaudhry Shahbaz Ahmed and Managing Director Ghufran Ahmed. While paying tribute to the soldiers, the Vice Chairman said that they salute their soldiers who have once again made history in defending the country and nation. The WASA MD said that the courage with which the Pakistan armed forces delivered a fitting response to the enemy gave enormous pride to the entire nation. 'We are a resilient nation that knows how to thwart every conspiracy of the enemy,' he added. On this occasion, special prayers were offered for the country, and a flag-hoisting took place, along with slogans in support of the Pakistan Army. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
04-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
LDA continues operation against encroachments
LAHORE: In several operations against encroachment, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has demolished several structures outside residential houses in two housing schemes. According to the LDA on Saturday, the operations were carried out in Sabzazar and Allama Iqbal Town, during which sheds, parking lots and ramps were demolished. The LDA teams conducted an operation in Pak Block and Asif Block of Allama Iqbal Town and M and N Blocks of Sabzazar. Commenting on the operations, LDA DG Tahir Farooq advised residents to restrict their constructions within their allocated land, adding that green belts and parking are permitted at road level in the LDA schemes. He noted that the LDA operations had a positive effect, as the people were voluntarily removing encroachments from outside their houses. He added that similar operations will also start soon in other LDA schemes. Meanwhile, the LDA DG visited Gulberg to review the ongoing development works on Sir Syed Road, Hali Road, College Road, C1 and D1 blocks, and on this occasion, he directed officials concerned to expedite the development works. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
