Punjab Province

Lahore: ReNews Pakistan
Punjab Minister for Local Government, Zeeshan Rafique, visited four districts on Eid al-Fitr to review sanitation arrangements and assess the implementation of the Eid cleanliness plan.
The minister toured Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, and Lahore, inspecting multiple locations, including Daska, Sialkot city, Gujranwala, Kamonki, Muridke, and Shahdara. Following visits to Daska and Sialkot, he proceeded to Gujranwala for further inspections.
In Gujranwala, Commissioner Syed Naveed Haider Shirazi, Deputy Commissioner Naveed Ahmed, and CEO of Gujranwala Waste Management Company Muhammad Qasim accompanied the minister and briefed him on ongoing operations.
Zeeshan Rafique reviewed sanitation measures in key areas, including Model Town, GT Road, Upper Chenab Canal, Tehsil Saddar, and Kamonki, ensuring that arrangements under the Eid plan were being effectively implemented.
On the occasion, he distributed sweets and Eid gifts among sanitation workers as part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Suthra Punjab” initiative, appreciating their efforts and dedication.
Expressing satisfaction over the cleanliness arrangements in Gujranwala, the minister stated that providing a clean environment to citizens remains a top government priority. He directed relevant authorities to ensure uninterrupted sanitation operations throughout the Eid holidays.
Residents also welcomed the improved arrangements, expressing hope that such cleanliness drives would continue on a regular basis beyond festive occasions.

Lahore: ReNews Pakistan
In a move aimed at strengthening environmental protection, the Punjab government has enforced the Public Parks, Greenbelts and Green Areas Protection & Regulated Emergency Transplantation Regulations 2026 across the province, granting special protected status to ecologically significant trees.
According to officials, the new regulations are designed to safeguard trees located in public parks, greenbelts, and other designated green areas from illegal cutting and unnecessary removal, while promoting sustainable urban development.
Under the rules, trees identified as environmentally important cannot be cut or transplanted without prior approval from the relevant authority. Even in emergency situations, transplantation will be strictly regulated to ensure minimal ecological damage.
Authorities stated that development projects will now be required to incorporate tree protection measures, including environmental impact assessments and compensatory plantation plans, making green preservation a mandatory component of urban planning.
Officials warned that strict legal action would be taken against violators involved in unauthorized tree cutting or damage, signaling a zero-tolerance policy towards environmental negligence.
Environmental experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that protecting mature trees is critical in combating rising urban temperatures, reducing air pollution, and maintaining ecological balance.
Public circles have also appreciated the move, expressing hope that effective implementation of these regulations will help preserve green spaces and improve the overall urban environment across Punjab.

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
The Anti-Corruption Circle of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Islamabad conducted a targeted operation in Rawalpindi to recover Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) assets and other government properties from illegal occupants.
According to an FIA spokesperson, the operation was carried out under the directives of Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi and Director General FIA Dr. Usman Anwar as part of a nationwide campaign to reclaim government land and assets from unlawful possession.
A dedicated team was constituted on the instructions of Director FIA Islamabad Zone Shahzad Nadeem Bukhari and Deputy Director Mir Faizanul Haq. The operation was led by Assistant Director FIA Shahid Ilyas and SHO Anti-Corruption Circle Shahzad Sarwar Khakwani.
The team targeted abandoned Evacuee Trust properties located in the Tyre Bazaar area within the jurisdiction of Ganj Mandi Police Station. During the operation, all illegally occupied shops and properties were sealed and formally handed over to the relevant authorities.
To ensure law and order, a heavy contingent of FIA personnel, along with local police, was deployed at the site, preventing any untoward incidents during the operation.
Officials stated that the action is part of a broader effort to restore state ownership of public assets and discourage illegal encroachments.
Local residents welcomed the move, expressing support for continued operations against illegal occupants and emphasizing the need for strict enforcement of the law to safeguard public property and ensure transparent land management.