Punjab Province

Vehari: [ReNews Pakistan]
An important meeting regarding ongoing development projects in Vehari district was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Khalid Javed Goraya, during which progress on various projects under the Punjab Development Programme, PCP Programme and beautification initiatives was reviewed.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed the relevant officers to ensure that all development projects are completed within the stipulated timeframe so that citizens can benefit from these facilities at the earliest. He said the timely completion of public welfare projects, in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is the top priority of the district administration.
The meeting was briefed that work is underway on water drainage, sewerage and other basic facilities under the Punjab Development Programme. The construction of an underground water storage tank will help store rainwater and reduce drainage related problems.
The meeting was further informed that work is also continuing on roads, water supply and other public facilitation projects under the PCP Programme. The Deputy Commissioner directed that the beautification work of Rail Bazaar be completed by June 15, adding that all departments should work in close coordination to improve the city’s appearance and basic infrastructure.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Finance and DD Development Muhammad Afzal, SDO Muhammad Musa, and officers of the District Council and Municipal Committee were also present on the occasion.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has introduced a comprehensive plan for the upgradation of Pine Avenue, one of the city’s rapidly developing commercial and business corridors, with the proposed construction of an underpass at Shino Baba Chowk as its central component.
According to the LDA, the authority has forwarded the project to the Punjab government for approval under the Annual Development Programme.
The proposed underpass will be constructed at the junction of Pine Avenue and New Defence Road, while the existing roundabout at Shino Baba Chowk will be removed.
The project is aimed at improving traffic flow on this busy road and reducing vehicular pressure at the important intersection, which connects several residential and commercial areas.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore High Court has issued strong remarks over the prolonged blocking of citizens’ properties, observing that citizens’ properties cannot be kept blocked for years. The court directed the Lahore Development Authority authorities to complete the relevant proceedings within 3 months.
Justice Masood Abid Naqvi of the Lahore High Court heard the case. During the hearing, the court noted that the matter had been pending since 2014-15 and that the affected party could not be forced to wait any longer. The court observed that keeping a citizen’s property blocked for an indefinite period was not appropriate and that the relevant institutions must decide the matter within the timeframe prescribed by law.
During the proceedings, the court asked the LDA how much time was required to complete the land acquisition process. The LDA representative informed the court that if the affected party agreed to accept an alternative plot, the process could be completed within one month. However, if the decision of the ADCR was set aside, the acquisition process would require another six months.
The court, while responding to the LDA’s position, observed that the affected party was not interested in receiving an alternative plot and instead wanted financial compensation in accordance with the law. Therefore, the court remarked that a further six-month extension could not be granted. The court made it clear that since the matter had already remained pending for several years, any further delay would be against the rights of the affected citizen.
During the hearing, ADCR Karim Dad Chughtai assured the court that the valuation of the land would be completed within one month. The court, however, directed that the determination of the land value be completed within 15 days so that the matter of payment of compensation to the affected party could be taken forward in accordance with the law.
The court ordered the LDA authorities to complete the proceedings within 3 months and sought detailed arguments on legal points at the next hearing.