Lahore Division

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Office of the Punjab Ombudsman has provided significant financial relief exceeding Rs. 5.6 million to citizens affected by incorrect property tax challans issued by the Excise and Taxation Department.
According to an official spokesperson, several complaints were submitted to the Punjab Ombudsman Office, highlighting serious discrepancies in property records. These errors resulted in the issuance of faulty tax challans, causing undue financial burden on taxpayers.
Taking immediate notice of the matter, the Ombudsman directed the concerned authorities to conduct a transparent, merit-based review of all affected cases and ensure the correction of official property records. The Excise Department was further instructed to issue revised challans strictly in accordance with verified data.
Following these directives, the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department initiated a comprehensive rectification process, leading to the correction of erroneous challans across multiple cases.
As a result, affected citizens collectively received relief exceeding Rs. 5.6 million. Complainants appreciated the timely intervention of the Ombudsman, stating that swift administrative action not only resolved their grievances but also restored their confidence in the complaint redressal system.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
A significant administrative reshuffle has been carried out in the Punjab Housing Department, resulting in key changes to several senior positions across the province.
According to official details, Zeeshan Gondal has been removed from the post of Deputy Managing Director (DMD), WASA Multan, and directed to report to the Directorate General, WASA Punjab.
In another development, Hafizullah Laghari, previously serving as DMD WASA Muzaffargarh, has been transferred and appointed as DMD WASA Multan.
The official notification regarding these transfers and postings was issued on the instructions of Punjab Housing Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal. The move is aimed at improving institutional efficiency and strengthening administrative performance.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has introduced a series of significant legal, administrative, and policy reforms during its first two years to improve the real estate and property sector. These measures aim to ensure transparency, protect investors, and eliminate illegal practices in land dealings.
One of the most notable initiatives is the enforcement of the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance 2025, considered a landmark law for safeguarding property rights. Under this ordinance, illegal occupation of land has been declared a punishable offense, and a 90-day timeframe has been set for the resolution of related cases, addressing long-standing judicial delays. Subsequent amendments have further strengthened penalties, including extended imprisonment terms and heavy fines, along with the establishment of empowered district-level committees.
In addition, the Punjab Land Revenue (Amendment) Act 2025 has streamlined revenue-related cases and improved the appeals process. It also grants legal recognition to digital land records and e-governance systems, significantly enhancing transparency in property transactions.
The government has also strengthened regulations in the housing sector through the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (Amendment) Act 2024, aimed at improving urban planning standards and safeguarding the rights of buyers and investors.
Crackdowns on illegal housing societies have been intensified, with new policies prohibiting the advertisement of unapproved schemes, mandating the registration of property dealers, and enabling authorities to freeze assets in case of violations. Institutions such as the Lahore Development Authority have played a key role in enforcing these measures.
Furthermore, amendments to the Punjab Local Government Act 2025 have contributed to better land use management, improved approval mechanisms for housing schemes, and a more efficient property taxation system.
Experts believe that these reforms, along with increased digitization and stricter legal enforcement, are gradually restoring confidence in Punjab’s real estate sector and creating a safer, more transparent environment for investors.