Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority has decided to expand monitoring and enforcement measures to curb environmental pollution and smog. Surveillance of polluting activities will be intensified through Safe City cameras as well as modern drones to identify violators and ensure prompt action.
According to the Safe Cities Authority spokesperson, more than 300 violations related to environmental pollution were detected through Safe City cameras over the past two days. Action has been taken against smoke emitting vehicles, with e challans issued to several vehicles found violating environmental regulations.
The spokesperson said action was also being taken against vehicles transporting construction materials, sand, soil and other dust-generating materials without proper tarpaulin covers. Information regarding violations is being promptly shared with the relevant departments to facilitate immediate enforcement action.
According to the Safe Cities Authority, information collected through 43 Smart Safe City Centres across the city is being transmitted to the relevant departments in a timely manner. The initiative aims to ensure swift and effective action against environmental pollution.
The authority said the use of modern technology, surveillance cameras and drones would further strengthen monitoring of activities contributing to smog and air pollution, while legal action would continue against those found violating environmental regulations.

Rawalpindi : ReNews Pakistan
The Rawalpindi Development Authority has operationalised its Housing Societies Management System for the online submission, scrutiny and processing of applications related to private housing schemes within its jurisdiction.

The system has been introduced on the directions of the Commissioner Rawalpindi Division and RDA Director General Salman Ghani, with the Punjab Land Records Authority clearing the platform for implementation.

Sponsors of private housing schemes under the RDA's jurisdiction will now be required to use the digital system for fresh applications, scheme revisions and other admissible matters. The previous process of physical submissions has been replaced by the online workflow.

The RDA has advised applicants to upload complete and accurate information along with all required supporting documents to avoid delays in processing.

According to the authority, the new system is aimed at improving transparency and efficiency, expediting scrutiny and processing, reducing paperwork and ensuring timely disposal of housing scheme cases.

However, the RDA has clarified that submitting an application through the digital system does not constitute approval of a housing scheme. Buyers are advised to independently verify the latest approval status, No Objection Certificate and legal standing of any housing scheme before purchasing property.

Similarly, revised layouts and other applications submitted through the system will not be considered approved until formal sanction is granted by the competent authority.

The digital initiative is expected to improve administrative transparency and efficiency for private housing schemes in Rawalpindi, while buyers will continue to need independent due diligence on the current regulatory status of any project.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
A loan review mission of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) visited the Punjab Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Department to review progress on ongoing and proposed urban development projects being supported by the ADB across the province.
Following the directions of Housing Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, an important meeting was held with Special Secretary Waqar Azim in the chair. The ADB review mission was led by Head of PIU Jin Min Nahm.
The meeting reviewed the current status of ongoing urban development projects in various cities of Punjab, as well as proposed projects, approval processes, development-related matters and implementation issues.
The participants assessed progress on the projects and discussed measures to ensure timely approvals and effective implementation. Several key issues were also discussed and consensus was reached on important matters.
With ADB assistance, Punjab has continued to focus on urban development areas including water supply and sanitation, urban planning, solid waste management and improvement of urban infrastructure. According to available information, ADB-supported long-term planning and feasibility work has also been undertaken to improve municipal services and infrastructure in several cities across the province.
The meeting also stressed the need for effective coordination among relevant departments and institutions to streamline project approval and implementation processes and ensure that urban development initiatives achieve their intended outcomes.