Punjab Province

Rawalpindi: [ReNews Pakistan]
Rawalpindi's historic Raja Bazaar has undergone a comprehensive transformation into a modern pedestrian friendly commercial district inspired by European walking streets, with the redeveloped marketplace scheduled to be inaugurated next week.
The centuries old commercial center, which has served as one of northern Pakistan's most important trading hubs for generations, has been redesigned to prioritize pedestrians, families and shoppers. Following its official inauguration, motorcycles and all other vehicles will be prohibited from entering the renovated section to create a safer and more accessible shopping environment.
The redevelopment covers the stretch between Fawara Chowk and Dingi Khoi Chowk along Hamilton Road, converting the area into a vibrant pedestrian market featuring wholesale and retail businesses, a dedicated food street and improved public spaces.
The project was completed at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 450 million to Rs. 500 million through the combined efforts of multiple government agencies. IESCO invested around Rs. 170 million to shift electricity infrastructure underground, while WASA allocated nearly Rs. 50 million for the relocation of water supply lines. The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation contributed approximately Rs. 240 million towards road reconstruction, streetscape improvements, beautification, drainage systems and pedestrian facilities.
A key feature of the redevelopment is the complete relocation of electricity, gas, telephone and internet cables beneath the ground, replacing overhead utility lines and poles that had long affected the area's appearance and safety. Sewerage and drainage infrastructure has also been modernized through underground installation to improve sanitation and reduce maintenance challenges.
The upgraded marketplace now features decorative street lighting, landscaped flower beds, newly planted trees, public seating areas and separate washroom facilities for men and women. Historic buildings within Raja Bazaar have also been restored, while shopfront signboards have been redesigned with a uniform architectural theme to enhance the visual identity of the commercial district.
For more than 150 years, Raja Bazaar has served as the primary wholesale trading center for Rawalpindi Division, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the Hazara region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The market remains well known for offering a wide range of essential goods at competitive wholesale prices, attracting traders and shoppers from across northern Pakistan.
Beyond its commercial importance, Raja Bazaar has historically played a significant political role, serving as the starting point for numerous political movements, rallies and public demonstrations. However, under the new management framework, political gatherings, protests and demonstrations will no longer be permitted within the redeveloped area, allowing the market to function exclusively as a commercial and family oriented public space.
Officials expect the revitalized Raja Bazaar to strengthen local commerce, improve the visitor experience, preserve the area's architectural heritage and further establish Rawalpindi's oldest marketplace as one of Pakistan's leading urban commercial destinations.

Lahore: [Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan]
Director General Lahore Development Authority Tahir Farooq visited the LDA Citizen Facilitation Centre, where he met citizens who had arrived for different services and inquired about their issues.
During the visit, the DG LDA directly interacted with citizens who had come for NOCs, property transfers, shifting and non-shifting file matters. He asked them about the processing of applications, availability of facilities and problems being faced by the public.
The Director Citizen Facilitation Centre briefed the DG LDA on the centre’s performance, application processing, public facilitation measures and extended working hours.
DG LDA Tahir Farooq said the working hours of the Citizen Facilitation Centre had been extended to facilitate citizens at the end of the financial year. According to him, the centre will remain open today, Saturday, until 6:00 pm, while on Monday and Tuesday, June 29 and 30, the Citizen Facilitation Centre will remain open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
He said officers and staff would remain on duty during the extended hours to ensure timely processing of applications at the close of the financial year.
The DG LDA also reviewed the status of shifting and non-shifting files received at the Citizen Facilitation Centre. He directed the relevant officers to process public applications on merit, transparently and within the stipulated time.
Tahir Farooq said most of the LDA Town Planning services had been shifted to the e Biz portal, adding that citizens no longer needed to visit LDA offices for services available on the portal. He said applications received through the e Biz portal were being processed automatically.
The DG LDA further said more reforms were being introduced to improve application processing at the Citizen Facilitation Centre, with the objective of providing citizens with faster, transparent and easier services.
Additional DG Housing, Chief Town Planner I, Chief Town Planner II, Chief Metropolitan Plans and Director Auction were also present on the occasion.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Board of Revenue has decided to suspend the issuance of Fard documents for land transactions across most districts of the province from July 1, 2026.
According to a notification issued on June 22, Green Property Certificates and Property Reports issued under the Punjab Land Records Authority Management of Land Records Regulations 2025 will become the only valid documents for land record transactions.
The decision has been taken under Sections 41 A and 20 of the Punjab Land Revenue Act 1967, read with Rule 36 A of the Punjab Land Revenue Rules 1968.
The new system will apply across Punjab except for Sahiwal, Hafizabad and Lodhran. No further Fard documents will be issued for land transactions in the affected districts after the effective date.
Officials said the move is aimed at making land records more secure, transparent and easier to verify.