Punjab Province

Rawalpindi: ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab Highway Department has directed the National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak) to conduct a fresh review of the design for three proposed underpasses on Peshawar Road, as the government prepares to launch a major infrastructure project worth PKR 8 billion in early April.
Although the project design had already received approval from the Planning and Development Department, officials said the additional review aims to ensure improved traffic flow along one of the city’s busiest corridors. Special focus is being placed on refining the layout of link roads to eliminate potential bottlenecks between Saddar and Qasim Market.
The project involves the simultaneous construction of three underpasses on Peshawar Road, which currently accommodates more than 250,000 vehicles ежедневно. Authorities are targeting completion of the project before the onset of the monsoon season to avoid weather-related delays.
Preparatory work is already underway, including the relocation of essential utility services. Relevant departments have been instructed to expedite the shifting of electricity, gas, and communication infrastructure to clear the way for construction activities.
To minimise disruption for commuters, officials have confirmed that traffic will not be completely suspended during the construction phase. At least one lane on each side of the road will remain operational throughout the project duration.
In addition, land acquisition is in progress to support the expansion of service lanes along the route. Authorities have initiated the process, assuring that compensation for affected properties will be determined in accordance with prevailing market rates.
The Peshawar Road underpass project is part of broader government efforts to reduce congestion and enhance traffic management across key urban routes in Rawalpindi.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
In a message on the occasion of World Zero Waste Day in Lahore, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that cleaning the planet from pollution is a collective responsibility of all of us. She urged citizens to abandon the use of plastic and adopt waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable consumption practices to ensure a clean and safe environment.
She said that under the globally recognized “Suthra Punjab Programme,” practical steps are being taken to make all cities of Punjab zero waste. For the first time, the waste management programme is receiving international recognition, while garbage dumps are contributing to climate change and loss of biodiversity.
The Chief Minister further stated that garbage dumps across the province are being converted into green forests and solar parks. The ban on plastic bags has helped achieve zero waste targets, while farmers are being provided with super seeders on subsidy for agricultural waste management.
She also noted that strict enforcement of environmental laws is being ensured in industries. Similarly, modern electric vehicles and mechanized systems have been introduced, while waste-to-energy projects are also being launched to generate electricity and other useful products from waste.

Lahore | ReNews
The Punjab government has introduced a significant policy change that is set to reshape the real estate investment landscape across the province, particularly affecting investors dealing in low-cost land near major roads.
Under the LDA New Policy 2026, authorities have officially abolished the long-standing “free commercial rights” facility, a move that is expected to directly impact both property buyers and developers. A formal amendment has been made to the LDA Land Use Rules 2020, and a gazette notification has already been issued to enforce the new regulations.
Previously, investors widely used this policy to purchase inexpensive land located near planned or upcoming roads, anticipating future development. Once infrastructure projects were completed, such land could be converted into commercial property without additional charges—allowing investors to earn substantial profits.
However, under the revised rules, free conversion of residential land into commercial use is no longer permitted. Investors, developers, and housing societies will now be required to follow stricter regulations, effectively ending a popular speculative investment strategy. Real estate experts suggest that this change will significantly reduce profit margins for investors who relied on early-stage land purchases near structure plan roads. The inability to secure guaranteed commercial status in the future also introduces a higher level of uncertainty, increasing the overall risk associated with such investments.
Market analysts further warn that the property sector—especially in areas surrounding developing road networks—may experience a slowdown as investor interest declines. Locations such as Pine Avenue Extension and Neelum Road, previously considered prime for low-cost, high-return investments, are expected to be among the most affected.
The government, however, maintains that the decision is part of a broader effort to regulate urban growth. Officials state that the policy aims to curb illegal commercial expansion, promote planned development, prevent misuse of land regulations, and enhance transparency within the real estate sector. While the move is being viewed as a positive step toward sustainable urban planning, it poses immediate challenges for short-term investors who had been capitalizing on regulatory gaps for quick gains.
Industry observers believe that going forward, investment strategies in Punjab’s property market will need to shift toward more compliant and long-term approaches, as speculative opportunities continue to narrow under evolving regulations.