Lahore: Husnain Aulakh, Special Correspondent | ReNews Pakistan
Following the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a key meeting was held under the chairmanship of Housing Secretary Punjab Noor-ul-Amin Mengal to ensure the uninterrupted supply of clean drinking water to citizens during the holy month of Ramadan. The meeting reviewed a comprehensive strategy to keep all water filtration plants under the Punjab Clean Water Authority fully operational.
The Housing Secretary instructed that the provision of safe and high-quality drinking water to citizens must not be disrupted under any circumstances. Relevant authorities were directed to remain on high alert and keep field teams fully mobilized. He emphasized that regular cleaning and maintenance of water filtration plants must be ensured to maintain the highest water quality standards.
During the meeting, the CEO of Punjab Clean Water Authority provided a briefing on the proposed plan and outlined arrangements to meet the increased water demand during Ramadan. The Housing Secretary further instructed that the monitoring system be strengthened to ensure the prompt resolution of any public complaints, and that any issues related to plant malfunctions be addressed immediately.
Secretary Housing Noor-ul-Amin Mengal made it clear that no negligence will be tolerated in the water supply system. He stressed that clean drinking water is a fundamental right of every citizen, and providing high-quality water is a core responsibility of the government. He added that ensuring the provision of safe water is the foundation of a healthy society, and all relevant departments must fully perform their responsibilities.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Government has approved a substantial stamp duty relief to support the real estate sector and encourage property registrations. Under the new policy, original allottees of properties in cooperative housing societies will enjoy full exemption from stamp duty, while other buyers registering properties will benefit from reduced rates.
The concession rates are as follows: • 1% stamp duty for registrations completed by 31 January 2026
• 2% stamp duty for registrations completed by 28 February 2026
• 3% stamp duty for registrations completed by 31 March 2026
The initiative aims to revive the property market, provide financial relief to buyers, and promote legal formalization of property ownership. Officials stated that the relief is part of broader efforts to simplify property transfer procedures and encourage investment in housing.
District authorities and revenue offices have been directed to facilitate property registrations under the new rates and ensure smooth implementation of the policy across Punjab.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved round-the-clock commercial activity across the province during the holy month of Ramadan, allowing markets, commercial outlets, bakeries, hotels, and retail establishments to remain operational 24 hours a day. The decision is aimed at facilitating consumers and sustaining uninterrupted economic activity in major urban centres.
Officials stated that the government will also provide financial assistance to eligible households, with combined support from federal and provincial programmes reaching up to Rs23,000 per family. The assistance is intended to help low-income segments manage increased household expenses during Ramadan.
Authorities noted that extended operating hours are expected to enhance the functional capacity of established commercial districts, increase footfall, and improve the overall economic performance of mixed-use urban zones. Continuous activity is also likely to strengthen investor confidence in established retail corridors and support the sustained utilization of commercial infrastructure.
Economic observers said the policy could contribute to higher transaction volumes, greater occupancy and activity levels in key business districts, and improved momentum in urban economic centres, reinforcing their role as primary hubs of commercial and economic engagement during the peak seasonal period.