[ReNews Pakistan] Lahore: The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has approved the establishment of shrimp farming estates over a total area of 5,600 acres in Sargodha and Alipur, District Muzaffargarh. The initiative targets land that has become barren or saline, where conventional agricultural activities have remained limited for years. According to the project framework, the initiative aims to bring previously unproductive land into economic use through shrimp farming. The plan focuses on alternative land utilization, export-oriented production, and the creation of employment opportunities in underdeveloped regions of the province. In Sargodha, a shrimp farming estate along with a supporting value chain is being developed at Chak No. 58 on 124 acres. Excavation work for 57 ponds has been completed at the site. During the initial phase, 9 ponds have been prepared over 20 acres, while a 5,320-meter drainage system has also been completed to manage water flow and quality. In Alipur, District Muzaffargarh, the project covers a significantly larger area in Rakh Ali Wali. Land clearing and leveling activities have been completed on 2,507 acres. A total of 57 shrimp ponds have been constructed in the area, and 50 tubewells have been installed. Across both locations, 32 tubewells and 8 transformers have been set up to ensure uninterrupted water and electricity supply. As part of the research and production phase, shrimp seed has been introduced into 64 research ponds. These ponds are being used to assess shrimp growth patterns, water quality management, feed efficiency, and disease control mechanisms. A quality control laboratory being established in Lahore at a cost of Rs 4.5 billion is near completion, while a research laboratory in Muzaffargarh is in the final stages of development. These facilities are intended to align shrimp production with international quality standards. To strengthen technical capacity, Pakistani experts associated with the project have undergone specialized training in Saudi Arabia and Mexico. In addition, foreign experts have visited Pakistan to provide on-ground technical and operational guidance. Recruitment for project staff is in the final stages, while examinations for 100 interns have already been conducted. The project is being positioned as a new land-utilization model in Punjab, focusing on converting saline and non-productive land into economically viable zones through shrimp farming. The project’s production outcomes and its impact on exports are expected to become clearer in the coming phases.

[ReNews Pakistan] Lahore: Maryam Nawaz, the Chief Minister of Punjab, has formally inaugurated a newly constructed arena at Wagah Border, significantly expanding facilities for visitors attending the daily flag lowering ceremony. The new arena increases seating capacity to 25,000, allowing substantially more spectators to witness one of Pakistan’s most prominent national rituals at any given time. Speaking at the inauguration, the chief minister described Wagah Border as a powerful symbol of Pakistan’s national identity and patriotic spirit, attracting citizens from across the country as well as foreign tourists on a daily basis. She said that the expanded seating and upgraded infrastructure would not only improve public comfort and safety but would also project a positive and orderly image of Pakistan internationally. Maryam Nawaz said that arrangements at the arena had been upgraded in line with modern standards, including improved security, crowd management, entry and exit routes, seating layout and other public amenities. She directed the relevant authorities to ensure that visitors and tourists are provided with all possible facilities so that a visit to Wagah Border becomes a memorable and welcoming experience. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the chief minister inspected the new arena and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. She said the Punjab government would continue to invest in public facilities and the improvement of national landmarks as part of its broader commitment to civic development and public engagement.

01 January 2026 Lahore : ReNews Reporter | Local News Desk The Lahore High Court has suspended the operation of the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Act 2025. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum issued a stay order on December 22, 2025, halting all proceedings under the Act and directing that related petitions be placed before a full bench for hearing. The Act, enacted in December 2025 following an earlier ordinance, established Dispute Resolution Committees headed by Deputy Commissioners to resolve property disputes within 90 days. Its objective was to provide protection against illegal occupation of immovable property. During hearings, the court remarked that granting judicial powers to revenue officers may conflict with Articles 23 and 24 of the Constitution. The court noted that interference by revenue officers in matters pending before civil courts is not permissible. Instances of possession changes based on verbal orders were highlighted, leading the court to direct reversal of such actions. Petitions challenging the Act argued that it conflicts with the Civil Procedure Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Qanoon-e-Shahadat. Lawyers contended that the Act confers judicial-type powers on revenue officers. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed strong concern over the suspension, stating that it would benefit encroachment and land-grabbing mafias. She said the Act was intended to provide relief to millions facing prolonged property disputes. The Pakistan Bar Council welcomed the suspension, declaring the Act unconstitutional and in conflict with existing laws including the Evidence Act and Illegal Dispossession Act. The Council demanded immediate withdrawal of the Act and an apology from the Punjab government to the Lahore High Court. Despite the suspension, reports of continued proceedings in some districts prompted the court to warn of action for violation of its order. The court has sought records of actions taken by the committees. A full bench will review the Act's sections and implementation procedures. The formation of the full bench and hearing date are yet to be announced.