Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has approved a major legal reform to provide free legal assistance to victims of land grabbing and unlawful property dispossession across the province.
The Punjab Legal Aid (Amendment) Ordinance 2026, presented in the provincial assembly, introduces revisions to the Punjab Legal Aid Act 2018. Under the new provisions, individuals who file complaints under the Protection of Ownership Rights of Immovable Property Act 2025 will now be eligible to receive free legal representation.
The amendment further extends legal support to citizens who have been forcibly evicted or deprived of their property, ensuring access to lawyers during tribunal proceedings. Previously, such assistance was limited mainly to residential property dispute cases.
According to the ordinance, the Punjab Legal Aid Agency will be responsible for providing legal counsel to affected individuals, particularly those facing cases involving powerful land grabbers and organized property mafias.
Officials stated that the initiative is designed to ensure equal access to justice for vulnerable citizens and strengthen enforcement against illegal occupation of land.
The Governor of Punjab approved the ordinance on March 31, 2026. It has now been forwarded to the relevant committee, which will review it and submit its report within two months. After committee approval, the ordinance is expected to be formally enacted into law by the provincial assembly.

Chunian: Sadaf Arshad District Coordinator | ReNews Pakistan
Under the special directives of Deputy Commissioner Kasur and Assistant Commissioner Chunian, an awareness campaign against illegal encroachments along canal banks has been intensified. Municipal Committee Officer, Madam Mubeen Yunus, led a team to inspect the areas along Kanganpur Canal, Mokal Road, and Lindiya Wale Road.
During the visit, the Municipal Committee team, including Clerk Syed Ashiq Hussain Shah, Inspector Tariq, Naib Qasid, and other staff, informed local shopkeepers, street vendors, and stall owners about removing all illegal encroachments immediately.
Madam Mubeen Yunus stated that unauthorized carts, poultry cages, temporary stalls, and other items must be removed without delay. She clarified that this is the second official warning issued by the administration. She further added that a plantation drive will be launched along the canals to enhance cleanliness and greenery, making the city more attractive and environmentally friendly.
Citizens were urged to cooperate fully with the administration and remove their encroachments voluntarily; otherwise, Municipal Committee teams will take formal action in the next phase and confiscate all illegal items.
The administration confirmed that this campaign will continue at Kanganpur Canal, Mokal Road, Lindiya Wale Road, and other areas to ensure canal banks are kept clean, safe, and visually appealing.

Pattoki : Sadaf Arshad District Coordinator| ReNews Pakistan
A crackdown was conducted late at night in Pattoki against individuals violating the smart lockdown imposed by the government due to the ongoing fuel and petrol crisis. Under the direction of Assistant Commissioner Pattoki, Nishtar Rehman Lodhi, strict action was taken in accordance with government orders, resulting in the detention of multiple shopkeepers and the closure of illegal shops.
The operation was carried out to enforce law and order and ensure compliance with the smart lockdown regulations aimed at controlling the fuel shortage. The administration emphasized that the government’s zero-tolerance policy would be applied rigorously, and violations would not be tolerated.
The operation also serves to remind citizens and traders of the importance of adhering to the lockdown rules while maintaining an organized and disciplined environment in the city.