Tag: Punjab Government

Punjab orders strict enforcement of 2022 Building Safety Regulations province-wide, with legal action for violations. Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique chaired a Lahore meeting revealing surveys of 2,214 high-rises, Rs 2B fire service expansion, and Rescue 1122's feats (280K+ fires handled, Rs 768B saved). Upgrades align with CM Maryam Nawaz's vision; businesses urged to comply.

The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has proposed a PKR 17 billion expansion of Murree Road, specifically targeting the congested stretch between Liaquat Bagh and Chandni Chowk. The project aims to widen the road to 20 feet on both sides and introduce dedicated service lanes and parking plazas to streamline traffic. A key feature of the plan is the creation of a signal-free corridor from Marrir Chowk to Faizabad, which is expected to drastically reduce travel time. While land surveys are already underway, the project currently awaits final approval and funding from the Punjab government to begin construction.

Rawalpindi Ring Road Phase 1, now estimated to cost PKR 50 billion, has been delayed, with its completion deadline pushed from December 2025 to March 2026 and about 75% of work done so far. The 38.6km stretch from Banth Mor to Thalian Interchange faces construction and land acquisition hurdles, especially for upgrading Thalian into a broad-based interchange. The cost has risen from PKR 33 billion due to scope revisions, and officials warn the interchange works may extend beyond March 2026. A feasibility study and PC-I for Phase 2, from Thalian to GT Road (M-5), are also due by March 2026.

The Punjab government has banned the production of petrol-powered motorcycle rickshaws to combat severe air pollution. This move is part of a larger strategy that includes promoting electric and hybrid vehicles for all government departments, banning home vehicle washing, and enforcing penalties for environmentally harmful practices like burning plastic. The province has also expanded air quality monitoring and introduced digital tools for pollution tracking. These measures aim to improve public health by reducing smog and enhancing environmental standards throughout Punjab.

The Punjab government has disbursed PKR 113 billion in home loans to 95,600 low-income families through the ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar’ Programme. The initiative, championed by CM Maryam Nawaz, aims to help 500,000 families over five years. Currently, 82,931 houses are under construction, with 20,940 already completed. The scheme emphasizes transparency and strict eligibility checks, benefiting both urban and rural areas.

The Punjab government is moving forward with an initial plan for Lahore's second airport to reduce pressure on the existing system and support urban growth. The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) has identified a potential site near Ravi City, close to the M-3 Motorway, about 30 km from Allama Iqbal International Airport. The project is currently in the consultation stage to determine its cost and financing. While no timeline is set, the new facility is expected to boost employment and investment, strengthening Lahore's role as a major commercial hub.

Rawalpindi is getting three new underpasses on Peshawar Road, a Rs6 billion project approved by the Punjab government. The underpasses—located at Race Course Park, Army Graveyard, and Chairing Cross—will create a signal-free corridor from Katcheri Chowk to Motorway Chowk, aiming to reduce travel time to 20 minutes. Construction is set to begin next month.

The Punjab government has announced a new plan to construct 57,000 affordable houses on government land across 21 districts. The project, which will be offered to eligible citizens on easy installment plans, is expected to be a joint collaboration with the World Bank and the private sector. The plan is awaiting final approval from the provincial cabinet.

A legal challenge is brewing in Pakistan as the Punjab government’s decision to impose sales tax on commercial property rentals faces scrutiny. The move has been criticized as double taxation, as the same rental income is already subject to federal income tax. This new provincial tax, enacted under the legislative authority granted by the Eighteenth Amendment, has opened a constitutional debate on whether a single income stream can be taxed by both federal and provincial governments, setting the stage for a new round of litigation.