Punjab Province

Lahore: [Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan]
The DHA Estate Agents Association Phase 9 Prism has announced the holding of a transparent and merit-based balloting process for the allocation of container spaces.
According to the association, the initiative has received an exceptional response from the local community, with a total of 351 applications submitted so far. This reflects a clear expression of trust in the leadership of the association.
Organizers stated that the purpose of this process is to provide equal opportunities to all members and ensure allocation based on merit with complete transparency.
The balloting ceremony will be held on Monday, 27 April 2026, from 3 PM to 6 PM at the Defence Lemniscate Club (Ex Park View).
The association has requested all applicants to ensure their participation. It has been clarified that only those candidates who have submitted applications will be eligible to attend the event.
According to the organizers, the balloting process will be conducted with complete transparency to ensure that every member is given a fair and equal opportunity based on merit.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
In a significant move to stimulate the real estate sector, the Punjab government has reduced stamp duty on property transactions to a uniform rate of 1% across the province through the Stamp (Amendment) Ordinance 2026.
The ordinance, approved on April 10, replaces the previous structure under which urban areas were charged 1% while rural regions faced a higher rate of 3%. Officials say the new unified rate is aimed at reducing transaction costs, eliminating regional disparities, and making property transfers more straightforward.
According to official details, the amendment to the Stamp Act, 1899 standardises the duty on immovable property transactions at 1% and introduces additional provisions to regulate assignment and transfer agreements. Under the revised framework, transactions completed within 12 months will be subject to the 1% duty, while those extending beyond that period could face an increased rate of up to 2%, introducing a time-based mechanism.
Authorities believe the reform will enhance transparency, expand the tax base, and promote documented transactions, especially in rural and peri urban areas where higher duties previously discouraged formal registration.
A key feature of the ordinance is the introduction of the concept of an “assignable deed,” granting legal recognition to transferable agreements and helping bring informal property arrangements into the formal system.
As an ordinance, the measure has immediate legal effect but is temporary in nature, typically remaining valid for around 90 days unless formally approved by the Punjab Assembly.
Market analysts expect the reduction in stamp duty to lower overall transaction costs and encourage increased activity in the property market, particularly in regions where higher duties had previously acted as a barrier.

Lahore: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has announced a new policy designed to provide significant relief to property owners by revising the method used to calculate penalties in property transfer and No Objection Certificate (NOC) cases.
Under the updated framework, penalties related to access area adjustments will now be calculated based on the property rate at the time of the plot’s original allotment, rather than the prevailing District Collector (DC) rates. The move is expected to substantially reduce the financial burden on applicants.
The decision follows a series of special working sessions led by LDA Director General Tahir Farooq and the Additional Director General (Housing), during which a comprehensive policy structure was developed.
Previously, property owners were required to pay hefty penalties when applying for NOCs or transferring ownership. These charges were calculated by factoring in access area changes and applying current market linked rates, often resulting in significantly inflated costs.
Citizens had repeatedly raised concerns over what they described as unjustified charges and procedural difficulties, particularly in cases where applicants were not responsible for discrepancies in access areas.
According to the new policy, whether the access area increases or decreases, the applicable rate will be determined based on the year the plot was originally allotted. Officials say this change will bring greater fairness and transparency to the process.
The policy has received formal approval from the LDA Governing Body, and official directives have been issued to ensure its immediate implementation.