Latest news with #LahoreDevelopmentAuthority
Express Tribune
04-08-2025
- Express Tribune
Probe ordered after woman wrongly declared dead
The Lahore High Court has disposed of a petition filed by a woman whose Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) was cancelled after she was mistakenly declared dead, despite being alive. Justice Raheel Kamran issued directions for an investigation and ordered the restoration of the woman's salary and official documentation, following confirmation by NADRA and police officials that the petitioner was, in fact, alive. During proceedings, representatives from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and local police appeared before the court. The petitioner's counsel informed the bench that a forged death certificate had been issued by the Municipal Committee Mureedkay and submitted to NADRA on June 12. Based on this certificate, her CNIC was cancelled. The petitioner, an employee in the Medical Department of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), faced suspension of her salary due to the blocked Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC). Her counsel alleged that her estranged husband, upset over a dissolution of marriage suit, orchestrated the scheme by obtaining a fake death certificate to cause her financial and reputational harm. Police officials confirmed that an FIR had been registered against the husband for the alleged forgery. NADRA representatives informed the court that the woman's CNIC had now been reinstated. The Lahore Development Authority's (LDA) legal counsel also assured the court that the petitioner's salary would be resumed upon reactivation of her salary account. Justice Kamran directed the opening of a new bank account for the petitioner and instructed the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to process pending salary payments accordingly. Additionally, he ordered the DIG (Investigation) to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter and take appropriate legal action against those responsible for the fraudulent declaration. The petition was subsequently disposed of.
Business Recorder
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
LDA seals 52 properties across various schemes
LAHORE: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has sealed 52 properties across various schemes during several operations against illegal commercial buildings across multiple schemes in the provincial capital. According to the LDA on Monday, the properties sealed include private schools, clinics, cafes, grocery stores, salons, workshops, shops and offices. An indiscriminate operation was conducted on the instructions of LDA Director Tahir Farooq. The LDA Town Planning Wing mobilised against illegal commercial structures and fee defaulters. The LDA teams carried out operations in several schemes, sealing 19 properties in Faisal Town, seven properties in Gulshan Ravi for illegal commercial usage and non-payment of fees, and 26 properties in Wahdat Road and Sabzazar during a recovery operation. Commenting on the operation, the LDA DG said the LDA was committed to taking strict action against illegal commercial buildings and those failing to pay commercial fees. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
05-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
LDA frames green building incentives
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has prepared the Green Building Incentives Policy 2025 with the inducements including a 10 per cent discount on all official fees for environment-friendly buildings. LDA legal adviser Sahibzada Muzafar submitted the draft of the policy before Lahore High Court (LHC) Justice Shahid Kairm during the hearing a set of petitions about how smog can be controlled, the society can be made pollution-free and groundwater can be protected from wastage. Justice Karim admired the initiative with the direction to implement the policy after its approval. Under the proposed policy, it will be compulsory to make arrangements for conserving used and rainwater, installation of solar panels, gardening on rooftops and designing green building structures in accordance with international standard. It envisages that the premises meeting the criteria for two years will get the status of green building. Six buildings are in the last stages of achieving the green building status. The concession granted to the buildings that will not implement the policy after three years will be converted into fine. The court was informed that the objective of the policy was to promote environmentally responsible and energy-efficient building practices in Lahore. It was informed that the Punjab government was committed to sustainable urban development through energy efficiency and green construction practices. 'Green building' refers to structures designed, constructed and operated to minimise environmental impact through efficient use of resources and improved occupant health and productivity. The required implementation of LDA by-laws regarding improvement of the environment include tree plantation, rooftop gardening, solarisation, grey water treatment plants and rainwater harvesting. The declared objective of the initiative is to encourage green building design and energy conservation, provide economic incentive to promote adoption of green practices and align with global standards and national sustainability goals. Meanwhile, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Committee on Food's Convener Shahid Imran said while talking to a delegation of industrialists from South Punjab that the country stands to gain substantial environmental and economic benefits from a nationwide shift towards solar energy. He emphasised that with over 300 sunny days a year, Pakistan possesses tremendous potential to harness solar energy on a large scale. "Transitioning to solar power will significantly reduce our reliance on expensive imported fossil fuels, thereby easing the burden on the national exchequer and helping narrow the trade deficit," he said. "Moreover, it offers a sustainable solution to Pakistan's persistent energy shortages, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for households, businesses and industries." Shahid Imran noted that a robust solar energy strategy can also uplift rural communities by enabling off-grid solutions, supporting agriculture and enhancing living standards. "With the right policy framework, financial incentives and public-private partnerships, Pakistan can transform its energy sector and move toward a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable economy. The time to fully embrace solar energy is now, for the prosperity of our people and the preservation of our planet," he added. The leader of the delegation, Ziaur Rehman, said solar energy provides a clean, renewable alternative to conventional power sources. "It significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, helps combat climate change and improves air quality, thereby lowering health-related costs caused by pollution," he said. He also noted that the growing solar energy sector holds the potential to create thousands of green jobs, ranging from manufacturing and installation to maintenance and research. With additional input from APP
Express Tribune
29-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Tollinton Market revamp sparks controversy
Known for decades as a hub for bird and pet sales, the Tollinton Market has landed in a controversy following the Punjab government's recent decision to close the market for renovation. Where the authorities are adamant to shut down the market in an attempt to revamp the sale centre in adherence with international hygiene standards, the trader's community is anxious over the future of their business, which is their paramount source of income. The complex dispute surfaced after the government directed traders to relocate their businesses by June 30th, without specifying an alternative site, leaving the affected shopkeepers in a state of uncertainty. According to Mohammad Adnan Hashmat, a bird shop owner, shopkeepers were instructed by Punjab Wildlife authorities to redesign their outlets at significant personal costs during the renovation process. 'But now, we are being told to shut down and move elsewhere, which is unjust. The situation has led to anxiety among the trader community, who claim their decades-old businesses are at risk due to this sudden shift,' expressed Hashmat. Reportedly, the Lahore High Court has taken notice of the issue and requested recommendations from a judicial commission. The court remarked that Tollinton Market should serve as a model for upgrading similar markets across Punjab. However, traders insist that their removal threatens their livelihoods and have appealed to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to intervene. According to the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), the market's reconstruction cost Rs190 million. As part of the project, three model shops were completed, and remaining vendors were instructed to renovate on their own, matching the new standards. LDA Director General Tahir Farooq claimed that a management committee, including traders, district administration, and the Punjab Food Authority will oversee cleanliness, waste management, and meat sales, ensuring strict implementation of new SOPs. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, during her visit to the market, stated that keeping meat and live animals in the same space violated international health regulations. 'Therefore, pet shops are being removed, and only meat sale will be permitted in the future. A new slaughterhouse is also being constructed near a drain for hygienic meat processing,' said Aurangzeb. While authorities see these steps as aligning with global standards, experts argue that setting up a chicken market and slaughterhouse in a busy urban zone could worsen traffic and public hygiene issues. They recommend decentralizing such facilities, pointing out that contaminated poultry meat has repeatedly been found in the city. On the positive side, the revamped infrastructure, including tiled floors, marble pathways, and uniform lighting has improved the market environment. Some shopkeepers have even welcomed the government's initiative, saying long-term improvements are possible with collaboration. However, pet and bird traders remain concerned, citing the lack of relocation plans and ongoing uncertainty. Shopkeepers argue that without addressing these concerns, the vision of a model market will remain obscure.
Business Recorder
28-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
LDA seals 86 illegal properties
LAHORE: The Lahore Development Authority has recovered plots worth millions of rupees, while 86 illegal properties were sealed during several operations against illegal constructions, illegal commercial buildings and commercial fee defaulters. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
