Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The National Accountability Bureau has decided to introduce an Online Property Information System to prevent fraud, illegal sales and deception of citizens in private housing societies.
According to sources, NAB has sought approved layout plans of housing societies across Punjab, while all relevant development authorities have been directed to provide approved records so they can be made part of the new online system.
In a letter sent by NAB to the Secretary of the Punjab Housing Department, it has been stated that the SOPs, approved layout plans and relevant official records of housing societies will be linked with the NAB portal. The purpose of this initiative is to inform citizens about the legal status of any housing society before they invest or purchase a plot.
Sources said that through the new Online Property Information System, people will be able to access approved maps, layout plans and legal status details of housing societies established in different districts across the province. The system will help protect citizens from investing in unapproved or disputed housing projects.
Officials said complaints related to private housing societies have become a serious issue. These complaints include the sale of illegal files, booking of plots beyond the approved area, non provision of basic facilities and delays in projects after collecting money from citizens.
According to NAB, the implementation of the online system will promote transparency in the housing sector, while citizens will be able to easily access verified information about any society. The initiative will not only improve public confidence but also help make action against illegal housing societies and elements involved in fraud more effective.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
An important meeting was held under the Lahore Heritage Areas Revival (LHAR) to discuss the restoration of the original historical names of Lahore’s roads, streets and areas. The meeting reviewed various aspects related to the protection of the city’s historical, cultural and urban heritage.
Scholars, historians, architects, urban planners and prominent citizens attended the meeting. The purpose of the forum was to consider the proposal for restoring the traditional and historical names of different areas, streets and roads of Lahore that have either changed over time or gradually faded from public use.
Participants said Lahore is not merely a city, but a centre of centuries old civilizational, cultural and historical heritage. They observed that the city’s old names are deeply connected with its identity, local history, traditions and collective memory, making their preservation essential for protecting Lahore’s original character.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the historical relevance of various names, their background, connection with local communities, documentation of the city’s past and their impact on urban identity. Participants also stressed that restoring historical names would not only help preserve Lahore’s cultural heritage but also promote tourism, academic research and public awareness.
The forum also discussed that the process of restoring historical names should move forward carefully, on the basis of authentic research and consultation with relevant institutions, so that historical facts related to any area or road can be presented accurately.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants agreed that Lahore’s historical identity is a valuable national heritage that deserves protection for future generations. They said restoring the city’s original historical names could prove to be an important effort to connect Lahore’s past, present and future.

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has decided to construct markets and commercial plazas on vacant plots and open spaces located within its housing schemes across Rawalpindi.
The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Commissioner Rawalpindi Abdul Aamer Khattak. Senior officials of the authority, including Additional Director General Masood Ahmad and Chief Engineer Anwar Baran, also attended the meeting.
During the briefing, the Estate Management Directorate presented details of a new asset management initiative aimed at identifying and utilizing vacant properties and open spaces in 13 housing schemes owned by the RDA.
Officials informed the meeting that the proposed initiative is designed to protect RDA land from illegal occupation, encroachments and land grabbing. They said commercial development on unused land would not only help secure public assets but also create sustainable sources of revenue for the authority.
According to officials, the plan focuses on better use of land already available within existing housing schemes. Markets, plazas and other commercial facilities may be developed at selected sites after completion of design, planning and approval processes.
Commissioner Abdul Aamer Khattak directed RDA officials to take all necessary steps to convert unused land into productive and income generating assets. He said public land should be managed in a structured and transparent manner so that it can support urban development and improve service delivery.
The commissioner also instructed the RDA to extend full cooperation to the Estate Management Directorate for the implementation of the initiative. He directed the relevant departments to prepare project designs for the proposed commercial developments on a priority basis.
Officials said the initiative is expected to help the RDA improve land management, prevent encroachments and strengthen its financial position through planned commercial activity within its housing schemes.