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Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Punjab to roll out multibillion-rupee LDP Phase-II
The Punjab government is set to begin Phase-II of the Lahore Development Programme (LDP) on June 30, the same day the first phase is scheduled for completion. As part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's development vision for the provincial capital, the administration has established strict deadlines and quality standards for ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects. Officials say that implementation momentum is gaining pace as the government prepares to transition smoothly from Phase-I to Phase-II of the ambitious citywide programme. Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL), Shahid Abbas Kathia, confirmed to APP that monthly review meetings are being conducted to monitor progress. "June 30 is the firm deadline for Phase-I, and we are committed to delivering results on time," he said, adding that the administration is fully aligned with the chief minister's development goals. The design and planning for Phase-II have already been finalised, with development activity slated to begin in Wagah, Aziz Bhatti, and Allama Iqbal towns. Among the major undertakings is the construction of a 312-kilometre-long sewerage network intended to modernize Lahore's aging wastewater infrastructure. This extensive sewerage revamp will include the installation of new pipelines and the establishment of disposal stations to separate clean water from sewage. The system will feature two primary routesLine A and Line Bserving the central zone of the city, aimed at addressing long-standing issues of drainage and water contamination. Officials have indicated that these improvements are part of a broader strategy to enhance urban infrastructure and public health standards in Lahore.
Business Recorder
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Punjab honours armed forces' victory
LAHORE: The Punjab local government department and various local and civic authorities on Friday observed Youm-e-Tashakur (day of gratitude) to pay homage to the Pakistani armed forces for successfully defending the country from its arch rival India. Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq while congratulating the nation on Thanksgiving Day said in a message that the Pakistani armed forces set an indelible example of courage and valour on May 10. 'The Pakistani nation has truly proven to be a leaden wall,' he added. He averred that the nation thanked Allah Almighty who helped Pakistan in breaking the arrogance of the enemy, and today the nation stands with their heads held high in the international community. He said the success of Operation Banyan Marsus has been acknowledged not only in Pakistan but also at the international level. 'The irony is that, on one hand, the Indian media kept making false claims of intrusion in Pakistan while on the other hand, their leadership was pleading with international powers for a ceasefire,' he added, adding that in the battle of May 2025, the three armed forces gritted the teeth of the enemy with complete coordination. 'Any enemy who looks at Pakistan with a malicious intention will think twice in the future,' he added. Meanwhile, the Lahore district administration held a series of celebrations, marking Pakistan's historic victory in Operation Banyan Marsus against India. These events showcased the Lahoris' patriotism and unity, and paid tribute to the nation's armed forces and martyrs. The 'Day of Gratitude' events included prayer sessions and patriotic rallies, all conducted with enthusiasm and discipline. A key event was the flag-hoisting ceremony at Town Hall; Metropolitan Corporation Lahore Chief Officer Shahid Abbas Kathia hoisted the national flag. On this occasion, Kathia praised the administration's efforts, stating, 'Lahore is celebrating this historic victory with full zeal, reflecting the nation's gratitude.' In his message, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza emphasised the remarkable success of Operation Banyan Marsus. He praised the armed forces, stating, 'National unity has elevated Pakistan's global standing.' He saluted the heroes of Operation Banyan Marsus, declaring that Allah has blessed Pakistan with a great victory. Highlighting the courage of the military, he said that the bravery of Pakistan's armed forces is the nation's true asset. 'Our brave soldiers have delivered a powerful response to India, and we honour their courage,' he added. He also paid tribute to the martyrs, calling them the pride of our nation, and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to peace and progress. Moreover, a Youm-e-Tashakur rally was organised by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to celebrate the success of Operation Banyan Marsus. LDA Vice Chairman Mian Marghoob Ahmed and Director General Tahir Farooq led the rally. It occurred at Khayaban Ferdowsi in Johar Town with a large turnout of LDA officers and employees. During the rally, participants offered special prayers for the martyrs and the safety and security of Pakistan. Vice Chairman Mian Marghoob Ahmed praised the bravery of the soldiers, stating that they have made Pakistan proud on the global stage. He emphasised that the Pakistani army has effectively responded to Indian aggression, and Operation Banyan Marsus serves as a testament to the nation's solidarity and unity. He declared that the people of Pakistan, alongside the army, stand firmly against any threat from India, asserting that Pakistan will prevail against adversities. Director General Tahir Farooq remarked on the significant role of the Pakistan Air Force in defeating the enemy, commending the entire nation for uniting in support of the army during this critical time. He reiterated that the nation stands resolutely with the Pakistani Army. Furthermore, the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) also held a rally to honour the Pakistan army's bravery. The rally was led by LWMC Chairman Malik Bilal Zulfiqar Khokhar and CEO Babar Sahib Din. A large number of LWMC officers and workers participated in the rally which began at the LWMC Head Office and concluded at the Lahore Press Club. Participants carried banners in support of the Pakistan Army and waved national flags, demonstrating their unwavering patriotism and gratitude. The LWMC leadership praised the sacrifices and unmatched bravery of the armed forces, stating that the entire nation stands united behind them. Prayers were also offered at the end of the rally for the safety, peace, and prosperity of Pakistan and its people. The Water and Sanitation Authority (WASA) also took part in the celebrations by organising a ceremony at the WASA Head Office in Lahore, chaired by WASA Vice Chairman Chaudhry Shahbaz Ahmed and Managing Director Ghufran Ahmed. While paying tribute to the soldiers, the Vice Chairman said that they salute their soldiers who have once again made history in defending the country and nation. The WASA MD said that the courage with which the Pakistan armed forces delivered a fitting response to the enemy gave enormous pride to the entire nation. 'We are a resilient nation that knows how to thwart every conspiracy of the enemy,' he added. On this occasion, special prayers were offered for the country, and a flag-hoisting took place, along with slogans in support of the Pakistan Army. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
13-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Less than half of city uplift work completed
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inspected under-construction road, street and drainage projects in progress under the Lahore Development Plan during a surprise visit to several areas of the city. The chief minister directed the officials concerned to ensure the quality of the construction work at all cost and ensure timely completion of the development plan. She also visited a vegetable shop and checked the prices. She visited a market in the Chauburji area and enquired about the citizens' well-being, cleanliness arrangements and projects on the occasion. According to an official statement, citizens said their street had been built within 15 days after a wait of 40 years. However, sources in the relevant departments said the completion in time of the whole of the Lahore Development Programme launched with an estimated cost of Rs137 billion was likely to be a challenge for the departments concerned. They said the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) had so far completed 45 per cent of the development work assigned to it under the programe. The metropolitan corporation has completed 32% of the work. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had approved an allocation of Rs137 billion for various schemes for WASA and the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore. In the first phase of the plan, 252 WASA schemes were approved for the Gulberg, Ravi, Data Ganj Bakhsh, Samnabad, Iqbal Town and Nishtar zones with an estimated cost of Rs41.35 billion. An amount of Rs29.35 billion was initially released for the projects, of which Rs12.8 billion has been spent so far. During the past five months, 45% of the projects have been completed while the work on the rest is under way. The highest ratio of incomplete projects is in Samnabad. The work in the Ravi zone will be carried out in the second phase. WASA Managing Director Ghufran Ahmed told The Express Tribune that work on the development programme is progressing rapidly and the chief minister has released funds to solve the problems of Lahore on a permanent basis. He said WASA would complete its work in all the zones by July 30. On the other hand, the metropolitan corporation has to implement 3,820 schemes across the city at a cost of Rs19 billion, but work has been started on 2,676 of them so far. Out of the schemes, 960 have been completed, depicting a rate of 32%. The sources said Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza had expressed dissatisfaction during a recent meeting over the slow pace of work in some areas after being briefed about the ongoing development schemes. The officials said that most of the schemes could only be completed after the work on sewerage and water supply lines would be completed by WASA. The DC said instructions had been issued to the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore to complete the Lahore Development Programme Phase I by June 30 so that the schemes could be concluded within the stipulated time frame. Instructions were also issued to WASA to complete the work within the time frame. Deputy Commissioner Musa Raza the second phase of the development programme would be launched as soon as possible after the completion of Phase I.
Business Recorder
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
102 properties sealed in anti-encroachment operation
LAHORE: In an operation against encroachments, the Lahore district administration has sealed 102 properties and seized goods. According to the administration, under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza, the administration continued with its anti-encroachment drive across multiple zones of the city, seizing 23 trucks of unauthorised materials and sealing illegally occupied premises in a bid to restore public spaces and pedestrian thoroughfares. Moreover, a total of 5,400 flex banners and other makeshift signboards were removed from footpaths and roadside, substantially improving traffic flow and sightlines on major thoroughfares and ensuring unimpeded access for emergency services such as fire brigades and ambulances. For this intensive campaign under the banner of the 'Clean Lahore' drive, enforcement teams led by Metropolitan Corporation Lahore Chief Officer Shahid Abbas Kathiya and Metropolitan Officer Regulation Headquarters Kashif Jaleel systematically cleared encroachments from key commercial and residential arteries, including Urdu Bazaar, Circular Road, Ferozepur Road, Shadman and Ichhra. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
11-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
MCL fails to meet revenue targets
LAHORE: The Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL) has fallen significantly short of its revenue targets for the first half of the fiscal year despite increasing building plan fees. In response, the corporation has decided to take disciplinary action against officials responsible for revenue collection, The Express Tribune has learned. According to the MCL's budget for 2024-25, the corporation had set a revenue target of Rs400 million for building plan approvals. However, it managed to collect only Rs110 million in commercial and residential building plan fees, falling well short of the Rs200 million target for the first half of the fiscal year. An MCL official, speaking on condition of anonymity, attributed the shortfall of Rs90 million to the poor performance of zonal officers and building enforcement inspectors. Warning letters have already been issued, and disciplinary action is being prepared against those who failed to meet revenue targets. Despite the increase in building plan approval feeseffective July 1, 2024 and aligned with Lahore Development Authority (LDA) ratesweak enforcement, corruption and illegal construction in MCL-controlled areas have severely hampered revenue collection. The official noted that compared to the LDA, the MCL's efforts against illegal constructions remain minimal. None of Lahore's nine zones met their respective revenue targets, with the worst-performing zones including Data Ganj Bakhsh, Allama Iqbal, Shalimar, Wagah, Nishtar, and Samanabad. In response, the corporation has directed the deputy chief officer to compile a comprehensive performance report on all officials in the Planning Department for further scrutiny and potential disciplinary action.
