Punjab Province

Lahore: [Re News Pakistan]
An accident occurred during the expansion project of Data Darbar, after which the Communication and Works (C&W) Department removed the SDO and Sub-Engineer assigned to the project.
According to details, a 40 year old man was killed when a building pillar collapsed during ongoing construction work a day earlier. Following the incident, the authorities took action and directed the suspended officers to report to the Communications and Works Department, Lahore.
Those removed from their positions include Huzefa Hameed, Sub-Divisional Officer, Buildings Sub Division No. 22, Lahore, and Waseem Ali, Sub Engineer, Buildings Sub-Division No. 22, Lahore.

Sialkot: [Re News Pakistan]
Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique conducted a detailed inspection of ongoing development projects in his constituency for the second consecutive day and directed officials to further accelerate the pace of work. He visited Bank Road Daska and Mubeen Road, where he personally reviewed the progress of development activities.
On the occasion, Sub Engineer Kabir, officials from the Municipal Committee Daska, and NESPAK briefed the minister on the progress of the projects. The minister instructed that while speeding up the work, quality must be strictly maintained, and the process of removing electricity poles from roads should be expedited.
During his visit to Mubeen Road, he emphasized that the project must be completed before the monsoon season without any compromise on quality. He also directed that planning for the next day’s work should be completed in advance to ensure continuity in the development process.
The minister also issued instructions to accelerate work on other ongoing projects, including Purana Daska, Nisbat Road, Gaga, and Circular Road. Senior members of his political team accompanied him during the visit.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has introduced a series of amendments to property laws aimed at revitalising the struggling real estate sector, enhancing transparency, and stimulating economic activity across the province. Key among these reforms is the reduction of stamp duty on rural immovable property from 3% to 1%, bringing it in line with urban rates and eliminating long standing disparities.
According to an official notification issued on April 10, the reforms also introduce the concept of an “assignable deed,” providing legal protection to agreements between private parties. Under the new framework, individuals can secure temporary ownership rights of a property for one year by paying a 1% stamp duty, and for two years with a 2% duty. Previously, such agreements often executed on low-value stamp papers lacked legal security, exposing both buyers and sellers to risk.
Government officials say the measures are designed to simplify property laws, reduce litigation, and lower transaction costs, thereby encouraging formal registration of property transfers. By making transactions more affordable and transparent, the government expects to increase the volume of real estate activity while simultaneously boosting revenue collection.
Punjab Board of Revenue Secretary (Tax) Anjum Riaz Sethi stated that the reforms are intended to revive the “dying” real estate sector and eliminate corruption within the revenue system. He noted that the uniform 1% stamp duty for both rural and urban properties would benefit developers, investors, and genuine buyers alike. He also highlighted that high registration costs had previously discouraged investment, leading to stagnation in the sector.
Real estate stakeholders have welcomed the move, particularly developers and investors involved in housing schemes located in rural areas around major cities like Lahore. Industry experts believe the reduction in stamp duty will provide significant relief to buyers who had delayed property transfers due to higher costs, allowing them to regularise ownership at a lower rate.
The government is also considering revising property valuation benchmarks, including DC rates, to better reflect market realities. Officials say these efforts are part of a broader strategy to attract both local and overseas Pakistani investors, many of whom have recently shown greater interest in foreign real estate markets.
Overall, the reforms are expected to restore confidence in the property market, protect genuine investors, and create a more transparent and efficient system for property transactions in Punjab.