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Author: Saleha Ali

BBC-featured Content Specialist with a sharp eye for search intent and a proven ability to turn content into a growth engine. I leverage cutting-edge digital marketing tools to craft strategies that fuel organic traffic, amplify brand growth, and own the local SEO landscape, particularly across the competitive real estate market. I help brands dominate search rankings and convert visibility into measurable business success.
CategoriesEconomy Entertainment

Firdous Market 2026: Ultimate Guide to the Best Deals

Firdous Market is located in one of Lahore’s busiest commercial areas. It is a well-known spot for shopping, dining, and everyday errands. In this guide, we have covered everything shoppers, residents, and property buyers need to know about the market in 2026, from its exact location to the best time to visit for deals.

Quick Facts About Firdous Market

  • Category Details
    Location Gulberg III, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
    Also Known As Firdaus Market (alternate spelling)
    Nearest Roads M.M. Alam Road and Main Boulevard Gulberg
    Nearby Landmarks Hussain Chowk, Liberty Market, Gaddafi Stadium, Punjab Stadium
    Postal Area Gulberg III, 54660 — the market has its own local post office branch
    Listed As A neighborhood supermarket and general market on mapping platforms
    Known For Jewelry, fabric and clothing, bakery items, and general retail

Firdous Market Location

It is located inside Gulberg III, one of Lahore’s busiest and most established commercial neighbourhoods. The market sits at the end of M.M. Alam Road, right where it meets Main Boulevard Gulberg near Hussain Chowk.

Anyone approaching from Liberty Market only needs to continue down M.M. Alam Road to reach the Market directly. That makes it an easy stop for shoppers already exploring Gulberg’s retail belt.

Gaddafi Stadium and Punjab Stadium both sit around two kilometres to the northwest, and the residential pocket of Dharampura lies a short drive north.

Directions to Firdous Market

From Main Boulevard Gulberg

  • Most routes into the area run through Main Boulevard Gulberg.
  • Continue past the Liberty Market Roundabout.
  • Follow Noor Jehan Road toward Hussain Chowk.

At Hussain Chowk

  • Firdous Market is located on one side of the intersection.
  • M.M. Alam Road branches off from the other side.
  • Hussain Chowk is the easiest landmark to use when approaching from either direction.

From M.M. Alam Road

  • Coming from the Gulberg Main Market side, follow M.M. Alam Road toward Hussain Chowk.
  • Firdous Market sits near the far end of M.M. Alam Road at the Hussain Chowk side.

Nearby Areas

  • Ghalib Market is within a short walk of Hussain Chowk.
  • Liberty Market is also located nearby, making Hussain Chowk a convenient central reference point.

A Quick Overview

firdous market lahore

Firdous Market Lahore has built its reputation over the decades as a practical, everyday shopping bazaar rather than a mall-style experience. Unlike the enclosed retail centres that have opened across the city in recent years, it keeps its open-air, walk-in-and-browse character.

Buyers come here and easily move between small shops, comparing prices and inspecting goods by hand, the way Lahore’s older bazaars have always worked.

The market shares its immediate surroundings with two of Gulberg’s other well-known commercial addresses: Liberty Market and M.M. Alam Road.

Significance of Firdous Market Within Gulberg III

firdous market lahore

Firdous Market Gulberg is more than a standalone shopping strip. It works as the connecting point between several of the area’s commercial hubs. M.M. Alam Road runs from Gulberg’s Main Market straight through to this market, and the road along the way is lined with restaurants, clothing brands, and beauty studios that have turned M.M. Alam Road into a dining and nightlife destination in its own right.

Gulberg III also doubles as Lahore’s central business district, so the market benefits from heavy daily foot traffic. Office workers, residents of nearby housing blocks, and visitors heading to Liberty Market or M.M. Alam Road for dinner all pass through or near the market at some point in their day.

What to Shop for at Firdous Market

firdous market lahore

Jewellery and Accessories

The Market is home to established jewellery outlets, including shops that also carry Dupatta Gali’s bridal and formal-wear accessories. This makes it a practical stop for wedding season shopping without travelling into the older parts of the city.

Fabric, Cloth, and Tailoring

Cloth and fabric retailers operate directly out of Firdous Market and the adjoining Liberty Market lanes, offering everything from everyday fabric to formal and bridal material. Many outlets work alongside tailors in the same lanes, so fabric and stitching can often be sorted in a single visit.

Bakery, Confectionery, and Everyday Food Items

Bakery and confectionery outlets operate inside Firdous Market’s commercial plazas, serving the steady stream of office-goers and residents who pass through daily. These shops make the market a convenient stop for everyday grocery runs as well as planned shopping trips.

General Retail

Beyond the speciality shops, Firdous Market carries the usual mix of general retail found in Lahore’s older commercial markets: small electronics counters, mobile accessory stalls, and household goods vendors catering to daily needs.

Mapping platforms even list Firdous Market as a neighbourhood supermarket, which reflects its role as a practical, everyday shopping stop rather than a purely fashion-driven destination.

The market is also well embedded in the neighbourhood’s day-to-day life off the shop floor. Firdous Market is a recognised locality tag on classifieds platforms, where nearby residents list mobiles, electronics, furniture, bikes, and cars for sale, which points to how established the address is within its surrounding residential blocks and not just as a place people pass through to shop.

Best Time to Visit

Most shops around Firdous Market open by mid-morning and stay active well into the evening, giving visitors a wide window to plan around. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, which makes them a good time to browse without crowds and negotiate prices calmly. Evenings and weekends draw heavier footfall, since many shoppers combine a Firdous Market visit with dinner along M.M. Alam Road.

For the best deals, timing a visit around seasonal sales, especially ahead of wedding season and Eid, tends to bring more competitive pricing across the fabric and jewellery outlets. As with most open-air markets in Lahore, comparing prices across two or three shops before committing, and being willing to negotiate, remains the most reliable way to get the best deal at Firdous Market.

Firdous Market vs Liberty Market and M.M. Alam Road

It helps to see how Firdous Market fits alongside its two closest neighbours:

  • Firdous Market is the smaller, more localised shopping stretch, best known for jewellery, fabric, and everyday retail.
  • Liberty Market, directly connected via Dupatta Gali, is the larger and more famous destination for wardrobe shopping, from tailors to cobblers.
  • M.M. Alam Road connects the two and is where Lahore’s dining and boutique culture takes over, lined with restaurants and fashion outlets.

Together, the three form one of Gulberg’s most walkable commercial corridors. A single outing can cover shopping, tailoring, and a meal without needing a car in between stops.

Real Estate Prices and Investment Potential in 2026

The Market’s location inside Gulberg III places it in one of Lahore’s most consistently high-value real estate zones. Property portals list homes directly under the Firdous Market locality tag rather than folding them into the broader Gulberg III listings, which shows how established the address has become in its own right.

Gulberg III’s residential plot prices for 2026 vary widely by size: 5 Marla plots have traded between roughly PKR 23 lakh and 27 lakh, while 10 Marla plots have ranged from about PKR 2.5 crore to 4.25 crore. Location and block within Gulberg III can shift pricing significantly.

Houses listed directly under Firdous Market follow a similar premium. A 5 Marla house currently listed under the Market locality is priced near PKR 2.25 crore, in line with wider Gulberg III house prices, which run from roughly PKR 1.19 crore for smaller 5 Marla homes up to PKR 4.8 crore and beyond for larger plots.

Commercial plots command an even steeper premium given the area’s footfall and central location. Citywide 2026 market data places Gulberg among Lahore’s premium zones, with plot prices reaching PKR 55–75 lakh per marla and rental yields on Gulberg apartments running between 6% and 8%, among the highest in the city.

For investors, this combination of steady footfall, central business district status, and consistently high rental yields makes the Firdous Market area one of the more resilient pockets of Lahore’s property market, even as prices in peripheral zones stay comparatively flat.

As Pakistan’s leading real estate developer, Chakor continues to track these central Lahore corridors closely, helping buyers and investors understand where value is holding and where it is moving next.

Tips to Get the Best Deals

  • Visit on a weekday morning to shop without crowds and negotiate more comfortably.
  • Compare prices at two or three shops before finalising a jewellery or fabric purchase.
  • Plan fabric and tailoring together, since many tailors operate in the same lanes as the fabric shops.
  • Check nearby Liberty Market and Dupatta Gali on the same trip, since they sit within walking distance.
  • Time bigger purchases, like bridal wear or formal fabric, around off-peak weeks before wedding season to avoid inflated pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Firdous Market located?

The Market is located in Gulberg III, Lahore, at the point where M.M. Alam Road meets Main Boulevard Gulberg, near Hussain Chowk.

What is Firdous Market known for?

Firdous Market is known for jewellery, fabric and cloth shopping, bakery and confectionery outlets, and general retail, alongside its close connection to Liberty Market’s Dupatta Gali.

Is Firdous Market the same as Liberty Market?

No, though the two sit right next to each other and are often treated as one shopping stretch. Firdous Market is smaller, while Liberty Market is the larger, better-known destination for wardrobe shopping.

What are Firdous Market’s timings?

Most shops in the area operate roughly from mid-morning through to around 10 PM, though individual shop hours can vary.

Is property near Firdous Market a good investment?

Gulberg III, where Firdous Market is located, remains one of Lahore’s premium real estate zones in 2026, with above-average rental yields and consistent demand. That makes it a relatively resilient area for property investment compared to peripheral zones of the city.

Does Firdous Market have a post office?

Yes. Firdous Market has its own post office branch, serving the Gulberg III, Block G area.

Can I find property for sale directly in Firdous Market?

Yes. Property portals list houses and plots under the Firdous Market locality itself, with pricing that tracks closely to wider Gulberg III rates.

Final Word

The market may not carry the mall-scale footprint of Lahore’s newer retail centres, but its location inside Gulberg III, right alongside Liberty Market and M.M. Alam Road, keeps it relevant for shoppers looking for jewellery, fabric, and everyday essentials in 2026.

Whether the goal is a quick shopping trip or a longer look at property values in the surrounding blocks, this Market remains one of central Lahore’s most convenient and consistently active commercial corners.

This was all about Firdous Market Lahore; for more information on relevant topics such as famous markets in Lahore, visit Chakor blogs.

CategoriesNews Construction Developments Economy Real Estate Urban Developments & Planning

Government Plans Construction Board, Extends Defect Liability Period to Three Years

ISLAMABAD: The federal government is finalising a comprehensive development package to overhaul Pakistan’s construction sector, centred on the creation of a Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and an extension of the Defect Liability Period (DLP) from one year to three years.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Senator Ahad Khan Cheema chaired a high-level meeting attended by Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Federal Secretary for Housing and Works Captain (R) Mahmood, the Managing Director of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, and representatives of the Construction Association of Pakistan (CAP).

The proposed CIDB will combine development and regulatory functions, overseeing industry standards, contractors, and consultants through a joint public-private platform. Officials confirmed plans to raise the DLP further to five years over time, aiming to hold contractors accountable for long-term structural quality.

For the first time, consultants will face legal and financial accountability for design flaws under the new framework, a gap CAP representatives said had long undermined project quality, since only contractors currently face default penalties.

Officials are also evaluating a dedicated Construction Development Bank (CDB) to address financing and guarantee bottlenecks. Cheema has directed the Ministry of State for Finance to begin formal talks with the State Bank of Pakistan and the Pakistan Banks Association to assess its feasibility.

The broader package includes tax incentives and revised import-export policies designed to encourage technology adoption and strengthen local construction capacity. The CIDB framework will be submitted to the Prime Minister for final approval.

Cheema said the reforms aim to ensure public infrastructure investment is not compromised by substandard execution, positioning Pakistan’s construction sector to meet international regulatory and quality benchmarks.

For more real estate news and special reports, visit Chakor.

Source:

CategoriesNews Urban Developments & Planning

CDA Approves 37 Projects Covering 6.69 Million Sq Ft in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved 37 commercial and residential projects covering more than 6.69 million square feet across the Islamabad Capital Territory during 2026.

According to CDA, its Building and Housing Control Wing, through the Design Vetting Committee, reviewed 42 commercial projects during seven meetings held this year and granted approval to 37 of them.

The approved developments include commercial and apartment buildings, mixed-use projects, offices, hostels, five mosques and one school. Together, the projects comprise 721 commercial units, 1,981 residential flats and 362 office units, with a total covered area of 6,690,580 square feet.

CDA said it is also working to streamline procedures for building-plan approvals, completion certificates and other regulatory permissions in the housing sector.

The authority said these processes will continue to be implemented in accordance with the ICT Building Control Regulations 2023, with safety and security requirements remaining part of the approval framework.

For more real estate news and special reports, visit Chakor.

Source: Business Recorder

CategoriesNews Construction Developments Economy Property Property Laws Real Estate Investment

Cabinet Approves National Housing Policy 2026, Endorses New Cybersecurity Framework

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has approved the National Housing Policy 2026 together with a corresponding implementation plan. Under the policy, housing projects will be required to fully observe zoning regulations, with priority given to vertical construction to improve land-use efficiency. 

Officials noted the policy was drafted with input from local and international experts, along with federal, provincial, and development-sector stakeholders, aiming to ensure sustainable and quality housing nationwide. Energy-efficiency standards have also been folded into the policy framework to align new construction with environmental goals.

The cabinet was additionally briefed on the Apna Ghar housing scheme, revealing that banks have sanctioned loans worth Rs220 billion for prospective homeowners, of which more than Rs32 billion has already been disbursed.

In a separate move, the cabinet approved withdrawing Pakistan’s earlier notice to terminate its 1981 bilateral investment treaty with Sweden, based on a summary presented by the Board of Investment.

On the technology front, the Ministry of Information Technology introduced the draft Pakistan Information Security Framework 2026 (PISF 2026), developed under the CERT Rules 2023. The framework is designed to establish unified baseline cybersecurity standards with centralized oversight. The cabinet approved it as a key policy document and directed its timely implementation.

Further ratifications included proposed amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023, aimed at upgrading refineries to strengthen energy supply, along with decisions made during recent Economic Coordination Committee and Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases meetings.

For more real estate news and special reports, visit Chakor.

Source: DAWN

CategoriesEconomy Entertainment Urban Developments & Planning

Auriga Market Lahore: Location, History & Complete Shopping Guide

Auriga Market is one of Lahore’s most recognisable shopping destinations, known for its mix of clothing outlets, bridal wear shops, and everyday retail under one roof. Tucked into the heart of Gulberg, Auriga Market Lahore draws shoppers from across the city looking for affordable fashion, home essentials, and a lively local shopping experience. This guide covers the market’s history, its exact location, what to shop for, prices, timings, and how the old and new sections differ.

Key Information About Auriga Market Lahore

Detail Information
Area Gulberg, Lahore
Nearest intersection Main Boulevard Gulberg & Zahoor Elahi Road
Known aliases Auriga Complex, Auriga Centre, New Auriga Shopping Mall
Common misspelling Origa Market
Floors Multi-storey (3+ floors in the newer sections)
Typical price range Roughly PKR 1,500 to PKR 30,000 for most clothing items
Weekday timings Monday to Saturday, late morning to late evening
Sunday timings Afternoon start, open later into the night
Parking Available, limited during peak hours

History of Auriga Market

Auriga Market traces its roots back several decades to a small cluster of shops in Gulberg. What is now referred to as the old Auriga Market Lahore began as a modest commercial strip before growing into a full multi-storey complex.

The market takes its name from the original Auriga Complex, one of the first multi-storey commercial buildings to come up in the area at the time. That early structure set the tone for the retail development that followed.

Old Auriga Market vs. New Auriga Shopping Mall

Over the years, newer retail blocks were built alongside the original structure, and today the market is generally split into two identifiable parts:

  • Old Auriga Market Lahore – the original complex, still referenced by name in property listings and by long-time traders in the area. It houses smaller, more established shops, several of which have operated for decades.
  • New Auriga Shopping Mall – the newer, larger multi-storey section built later on the same stretch, spread across multiple floors with a higher shop count and a stronger focus on bridal wear and unstitched fabric.

Both sections sit close enough to each other that most visitors treat them as one continuous market, even though they have distinct commercial identities on paper.

Auriga Market Lahore Location

The Auriga Market Lahore location sits right at the intersection of Main Boulevard Gulberg and Zahoor Elahi Road, placing it firmly in one of Lahore’s most central and well-connected localities.

Its position makes it an easy stop for residents of Gulberg, Model Town, and Garden Town, and it is close to Ferozepur Road as well, which brings in shoppers from further afield.

How to Get There

Mode of transport Notes
Private car Direct access via Main Boulevard Gulberg; parking is limited during peak hours
Ride-hailing (Careem, Uber) Widely used and generally the most convenient option
Public bus Regular routes pass through Gulberg
Rickshaw Easily available for short-distance trips within Gulberg and nearby areas

Shopping Categories at Auriga Market

Auriga Market is best known for its clothing and fashion offerings, but the range extends well beyond that.

Category What’s Available Typical Buyers
Clothing & fabrics Unstitched fabric, ready-made outfits, bridal wear Everyday shoppers, brides, wholesale buyers
Jewellery Gold, silver, and artificial jewellery Wedding shoppers, everyday buyers
Footwear Khussas, heels, flats, sneakers Men, women, children
Home décor Crockery, small furniture pieces Homeowners
Electronics Mobile phones, accessories, gadgets General shoppers

Clothing and Fabrics

Auriga Market

This is the market’s biggest draw. Well-known names such as Bareeze, Khaadi, and Alkaram Studio have outlets here alongside independent shops selling local and imported fabric.

Tailoring shops are common too, offering custom stitching for anything purchased on-site, useful for shoppers who want a finished outfit rather than just fabric.

Jewellery, Footwear, Home Décor, and Electronics

Beyond clothing, the smaller speciality shops round out the market’s appeal: jewellery stores stock both everyday and occasion pieces, footwear shops cover the full range from traditional to modern styles, and a handful of electronics and home décor shops mean a single trip can cover several errands at once.

Food and Dining at Auriga Market

Food and Dining at Auriga Market

Shopping trips at Auriga Market are usually paired with a food break.

  • Street food – golgappas, samosas, chana chaat, and jalebi from vendors around the complex
  • Cafes and casual restaurants – a mix of Pakistani, Chinese, and fast food options nearby
  • Quick bites for wholesale buyers – small eateries that stay open through the market’s busier trading hours

Who Visits Auriga Market

  • Budget-conscious shoppers looking for negotiable prices on clothing and accessories
  • Brides and wedding shoppers sourcing bridal wear, jewellery, and fabric in one trip
  • Wholesale and bulk buyers stocking up on fabric or ready-made garments for resale
  • Local families running errands across clothing, footwear, and home décor in a single visit

Facilities: Banking, Parking, and Security

Several bank branches and ATMs operate in and around the market, which is useful given the volume of daily transactions in the area.

Parking is available but limited, and spaces can fill up quickly during peak hours, so visiting during off-peak times or using public transport is generally more convenient.

Security personnel and CCTV coverage are present throughout the complex, though shoppers are still advised to stay alert in crowded sections, as with any busy commercial area.

How Auriga Market Compares to Other Lahore Markets

Shoppers after negotiable prices and traditional wear tend to prefer Auriga Market. Those wanting fixed prices and branded outlets are generally better served at Packages Mall, while Liberty Market sits somewhere in between.

Market Best For Price Range Atmosphere
Auriga Market Bridal wear, unstitched fabric, bargaining Budget to mid-range Busy, traditional, negotiable prices
Anarkali Market Traditional clothing, jewellery, street food Budget Old-city bazaar, crowded, heavy bargaining
Barkat Market Groceries, electronics, food street, daily essentials Budget to mid-range Neighbourhood commercial hub, family-friendly

Nearby Attractions

Auriga Market’s central location means several other well-known Lahore spots are close by:

  • Liberty Market – a short drive away, offering a similar mix of local and international retail
  • MM Alam Road – known for upscale dining and boutiques, ideal for winding down after shopping
  • Gaddafi Stadium – home ground of Pakistan’s national cricket team, a short distance from the market

Best Time to Visit Auriga Market

Late mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded, making them a better time to browse without the rush. Evenings, particularly on weekends, see the highest footfall, so shoppers looking for a quieter experience may prefer visiting earlier in the day. 

Wedding season and the run-up to Eid are consistently the busiest periods, since bridal wear and fabric shops see the highest demand at those times.

Tips for Shopping at Auriga Market

  • Carry cash – many smaller shops don’t accept cards
  • Bargain confidently – negotiation is a normal part of shopping here, especially for clothing and accessories
  • Visit off-peak – late mornings on weekdays are quieter than weekend evenings
  • Plan for parking – arrive early or use ride-hailing during busy hours
  • Compare a few shops first – prices for similar items can vary between stores within the same market

FAQs About Auriga Market

The following are some of the FAQs.

Where exactly is Auriga Market located? 

The Auriga Market Lahore location is at the intersection of Main Boulevard Gulberg and Zahoor Elahi Road, close to Ferozepur Road.

What is the difference between the old and new sections of the market? 

The old Auriga Market Lahore refers to the original Auriga Complex, one of the area’s first multi-storey commercial buildings. The New Auriga Shopping Mall is the larger, newer section built later on the same stretch, with more floors and a bigger focus on bridal wear.

Is Auriga Market budget-friendly? 

Yes. It caters to a wide range of budgets, with both affordable and higher-end options available across clothing, jewellery, and footwear shops. Most clothing items fall roughly between PKR 1,500 and PKR 30,000.

What are the market’s general timings? 

The market generally operates from late morning to late evening on weekdays and Saturdays, with a later start and later closing on Sundays.

Is parking available at Auriga Market? 

Parking is available but limited, and it can fill up quickly during busy hours. Off-peak visits or ride-hailing are recommended.

What can I buy at Auriga Market? 

Shoppers can find clothing and unstitched fabrics, bridal wear, jewellery, footwear, home décor items, and electronics accessories.

How does Auriga Market compare to Liberty Market or Packages Mall? 

Auriga Market is better suited to shoppers who want negotiable prices and traditional wear. Liberty Market offers a broader brand mix, while Packages Mall is the choice for fixed prices and international brands.

Conclusion

Auriga Market remains one of Gulberg’s most practical and popular shopping destinations, combining a long-standing local history with a wide range of retail options under one roof. Whether visiting the old Auriga Market Lahore section or the newer additions around it, shoppers consistently find a mix of affordability, variety, and convenience that keeps the market relevant year after year.

This was all about Auriga Market. For more information on famous markets in Lahore, such as Liberty Market, visit Chakor blogs.

CategoriesNews

CDA Cuts Parking Requirement by 25% for Islamabad High-Rises

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has reduced the mandatory parking requirement for high-rise commercial buildings in Islamabad, lowering it from one space per 750 square feet of covered area to one per 1,000 square feet, effective immediately.

The decision was approved at the 10th CDA Board meeting of FY26, chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Sohail Ashraf. Officials said the previous ratio had forced some projects to excavate up to six basement levels to meet parking norms, raising structural and safety concerns for commercial developers.

The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with builders and developers, had repeatedly pushed for the revision. The authority said the new benchmark brings Islamabad’s parking standards in line with those used by regulatory bodies in other cities, and is expected to ease the approval process for commercial building plans while encouraging fresh construction activity in the capital.

The revised formula also applies to plots offered in CDA’s open commercial auction held August 4-6, as well as future auctions, with the authority confirming that auction terms and conditions have been updated to reflect the change.

Ashraf said CDA would continue introducing facilitative measures to support planned urban development and investment in the federal capital, adding that the relaxed parking norms are intended to directly stimulate high-rise commercial construction in Islamabad going forward.

For more real estate news and special reports, visit Chakor.

CategoriesSpecial Report

Youm-e-Istehsal – 5 August: Tracing the History, the Events That Followed, and Its Significance Through a Socio-Political Lens

Special Report

Every year on 5 August, Pakistan observes Youm-e-Istehsal (“Day of Exploitation”), commemorating the anniversary of India’s 2019 decision to revoke Articles 370 and 35A of its constitution, which had granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir. Islamabad regards that move as a unilateral and illegal change to the disputed region’s status, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions calling for a plebiscite on Kashmir’s future. New Delhi, for its part, maintains that the action was an internal constitutional matter and that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, a position Pakistan does not recognise.

The day was first observed nationally in 2020, on the one-year anniversary of the move, and has since become a fixture of Pakistan’s official calendar tied to the broader Kashmir dispute with India.

Article 370 and Kashmir’s Special Status

Article 370 gave Jammu and Kashmir special constitutional status, including greater autonomy over internal matters. Article 35A allowed the region to define permanent residents and related property and employment rights. 

On August 5, 2019, India revoked Article 370 and divided the former state into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. India’s Supreme Court upheld the decision in December 2023.

Impact on Rights and International Law Concerns

The 2019 decision was followed by security restrictions, internet shutdowns, and detentions. Human rights groups and some UN officials raised concerns about civil liberties and demographic changes. 

Pakistan continues to raise the Kashmir issue internationally, while India maintains that the constitutional changes were an internal and lawful matter.

Political Significance

For Pakistan, 5 August carries weight on several levels:

  • Diplomatic positioning: The day is used to reaffirm Pakistan’s long-standing call for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination under UN resolutions, and to keep the dispute visible on international platforms.
  • National consensus symbol: Observance draws participation from the government, opposition parties, and the military leadership alike, signalling rare unity on the Kashmir issue across Pakistan’s otherwise polarised political spectrum.
  • Domestic messaging: It reinforces the state narrative that Pakistan’s foreign policy remains anchored in support for Kashmiris, a position with deep resonance in domestic public opinion.
  • Annual diplomatic renewal: Each anniversary is used to argue that India’s 2019 action has not altered the disputed status of the territory under international law, nor diminished Kashmiri aspirations for self-determination.

How Pakistan Observes the Day — Government Level

This year, on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, the observance is being marked as follows:

  • No public holiday: The Cabinet Division clarified in advance that 5 August 2026 would not be a public holiday, despite social media speculation.
  • Nationwide one-minute silence: On the Prime Minister’s directions, a coordinated one-minute silence is being observed across the country at 9:00 a.m., with the Cabinet Division instructing all federal ministries, provincial governments, constitutional offices, and law enforcement agencies to ensure uniform participation. Sirens are sounded to mark the moment.
  • Official rallies: A rally is being held on Constitution Avenue in Islamabad, with participation from federal ministers and parliamentarians. Similar rallies are taking place across all four provinces, as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
  • Leadership statements: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued separate messages reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Kashmiris, describing 2019’s action as unlawful and vowing to continue raising the issue at international forums.
  • Media directives: The government has directed wide publicity of the observance through both English and Urdu print and electronic media.

How Individuals and Civil Society Mark the Day

  • Public participation in the silence and rallies: Citizens are encouraged to pause at 9:00 a.m. alongside the official observance, and many join organised rallies and seminars in their cities.
  • Seminars and awareness events: Universities, civil society organisations, and political parties typically hold seminars, panel discussions, and awareness drives on the Kashmir dispute around this date.
  • Media and cultural productions: Television channels, radio stations, and print media run special segments, documentaries, and opinion pieces; in past years, this has included patriotic songs and productions by state media bodies.
  • Social media campaigns: Hashtags and solidarity posts circulate widely, with individuals sharing content in support of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
  • Kashmiri diaspora and APHC-linked activities: Kashmiri groups both in Pakistan-administered areas and internationally, including calls from the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, urge a general shutdown and protest rallies in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, in parallel with Pakistan’s domestic observance.

This was all about Youm-e-Istehsaal For more information on relevant issues, please visit Chakor.

CategoriesNews Property Property Laws Real Estate

Punjab Opens First Overseas Land Transfer Desk in London

LAHORE: The Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA), in collaboration with the Board of Revenue Punjab, has inaugurated the province’s first overseas property transfer desk in London, allowing overseas Pakistanis to complete land and property transactions without travelling to Pakistan.

The facility was formally launched at the Pakistan High Commission in London on August 3, 2026, marking the first international expansion of Punjab’s land transfer services for the Pakistani diaspora.

Under the new arrangement, overseas Pakistanis can process property transfers in Punjab through the London desk in a more convenient, secure, and transparent manner. The initiative is designed to simplify documentation requirements and reduce the need for costly and time-consuming travel for land-related transactions.

Officials said the facility aims to enhance transparency, convenience, and innovation in land administration, while ensuring secure record-keeping for the diaspora community.

The PLRA is now preparing to replicate the model in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates within the next 30 days, extending overseas transfer facilities to two of the largest hubs of Pakistani expatriates.

Authorities said the expansion is part of a broader push to digitise and internationalise Punjab’s land records system, with the goal of strengthening overseas Pakistanis’ confidence in the province’s property regulatory framework and improving the overall efficiency of land-related services beyond the country’s borders.

For more real estate news and special reports, visit Chakor.

climate-resilient real estate
CategoriesReal Estate Climate Change Deforestation Environment Urban Developments & Planning Urban Flooding

Climate-Resilient Real Estate in Pakistan: The Future of Property (2026)

Pakistan’s real estate sector is entering a new era, one where climate-resilient real estate is no longer a niche concept but a market necessity. The 2022 floods submerged nearly a third of the country and caused an estimated $40 billion in damage, a stark reminder that the built environment cannot ignore climate risk any longer. Today, buyers, investors, and developers are rethinking how homes and commercial spaces are designed, built, and certified. Climate-resilient real estate now sits at the center of that shift, supported by sustainable real estate development practices and growing demand for green building certification across major cities.

This blog explains what climate-resilient real estate means for Pakistan, why it matters, and how the market is adapting.

What Is Climate-Resilient Real Estate?

Climate-Resilient Real Estate

Climate-resilient real estate refers to properties designed and constructed to withstand climate-related stressors such as flooding, extreme heat, and unpredictable rainfall, while protecting the wellbeing of residents and maintaining long-term asset value. It goes beyond aesthetics or energy savings. It is about ensuring a building can function safely and efficiently even as weather patterns become more extreme.

In Pakistan, this is not a distant concern. The housing sector faces a significant shortfall alongside growing climate risks, and most existing structures were never built to handle the intensity of floods, heatwaves, or storms the country now experiences. Climate-resilient real estate addresses this gap through better materials, smarter design, and disaster-aware planning.

Why Climate-Resilient Real Estate Matters for Pakistan

Why Climate-Resilient Real Estate

Pakistan ranks among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, yet much of its housing stock was never designed with resilience in mind. A few reasons this matters now more than ever:

  • Rising climate risk affects property value. Buildings that perform better against flooding, heat, and extreme weather tend to command higher rents and stronger resale value, while vulnerable properties face higher insurance and maintenance costs over time.
  • Urban flooding is a recurring threat. Karachi, Lahore, and other major cities regularly face monsoon flooding, making resilient drainage, elevated foundations, and flood-resistant materials essential rather than optional.
  • Energy and water demand keep rising. Passive design, insulation, and efficient systems reduce strain on an already stressed power grid while lowering utility bills for residents.
  • Investor expectations are shifting. Global capital increasingly favours developments that can demonstrate climate resilience and sustainability credentials, particularly as international investors look at Pakistan’s property sector.

Sustainable Real Estate Development

Climate-Resilient Real Estate

Climate-resilient real estate does not happen by accident. It is the outcome of deliberate sustainable real estate development, a process that integrates energy efficiency, resource-conscious design, and disaster resilience from the earliest planning stages rather than as an afterthought.

In practice, sustainable real estate development in Pakistan increasingly includes:

  • Low-carbon construction materials, such as autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks and interlocking bricks, which studies show can meaningfully reduce cooling energy demand and construction costs compared to conventional materials.
  • Passive design strategies, including solar orientation, natural ventilation, and shading, which reduce dependence on mechanical cooling in Pakistan’s hot climate.
  • Water conservation systems, such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, which help offset the country’s growing water scarcity.
  • Renewable energy integration, particularly solar panels, which take advantage of Pakistan’s abundant sunlight to cut electricity costs and reduce grid dependence.
  • Resilient infrastructure planning, including improved drainage, elevated site design, and flood-conscious layouts for master-planned communities.

Developers who commit to sustainable real estate development are not just responding to climate risk; they are also meeting a clear shift in buyer expectations, especially among younger, environmentally conscious purchasers and overseas Pakistanis evaluating long-term investments.

The Role of Green Building Certification

Green building certification has become one of the clearest ways for developers to prove that a project meets recognised sustainability and resilience standards, rather than simply claiming it. Two frameworks are shaping this conversation in Pakistan:

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, remains the world’s most widely used green building rating system. It evaluates projects on energy efficiency, water conservation, material selection, and indoor environmental quality, awarding certification levels from Certified up to Platinum. LEED-certified buildings can cut electricity and water bills significantly, an important advantage in a market facing rising energy costs.

EDGE climate-resilient real estate

EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), an IFC-backed certification, simplifies green building design and focuses on resource efficiency and net-zero performance. EDGE also supports a Building Resilience Index, giving developers, banks, insurers, and governments a way to assess and disclose climate resilience across a portfolio.

Green building certification is gaining real traction in Pakistan. Institutions and urban development authorities have started pursuing LEED and EDGE recognition for major projects, signalling that certification is moving from a rare achievement to an expected standard for large-scale developments.

For developers, pursuing certification demonstrates credibility to both local buyers and international investors, while positioning a project ahead of regulatory trends that are likely to tighten in the coming years.

How Pakistan’s Property Market Is Responding

The shift toward climate-resilient real estate is visible across Pakistan’s major cities. In Karachi, new projects increasingly feature solar power, rainwater harvesting, and green building certification as standard offerings rather than premium add-ons.

In Lahore and Islamabad, urban development authorities and private developers are integrating resilient infrastructure, smart mobility, and green public spaces into master-planned communities.

This momentum is also being supported at the policy level. Recent reforms, including reductions in withholding tax and the removal of Federal Excise Duty on certain property transactions, have lowered the cost of developing and investing in real estate, creating more room for developers to invest in sustainable features without passing steep costs onto buyers.

For overseas Pakistanis and institutional investors, climate-resilient real estate offers a practical advantage: lower long-term operating costs, stronger asset protection against extreme weather, and greater alignment with the sustainability standards increasingly demanded by global capital.

What Buyers and Investors Should Look For

When evaluating a property or project for climate resilience, a few practical indicators are worth checking:

  1. Certification status — Is the project pursuing or holding LEED, EDGE, or an equivalent green building certification?
  2. Drainage and flood planning — Does the site design account for monsoon flooding and urban drainage capacity?
  3. Material choices — Are low-carbon, insulating materials used to reduce cooling demand?
  4. Water and energy systems — Does the development include rainwater harvesting, solar power, or greywater recycling?
  5. Long-term maintenance plans — Is there a clear strategy for monitoring and maintaining resilience features after handover?

Final Thoughts

Climate-resilient real estate is fast becoming the defining standard for Pakistan’s property market, not a future ambition but a present-day requirement. As climate risks intensify, sustainable real estate development and green building certification are giving developers a credible framework to build safer, more efficient, and more valuable properties. For buyers and investors alike, understanding these standards is no longer optional. It is central to making sound, future-focused property decisions in Pakistan.

As one of Pakistan’s leading real estate developers, Chakor continues to track these shifts closely, ensuring its projects reflect the standards that today’s buyers and international investors expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does climate-resilient real estate mean?

It refers to properties built to withstand climate-related risks such as flooding, extreme heat, and storms, while protecting resident wellbeing and long-term property value.

Why is green building certification important in Pakistan?

Green building certification, such as LEED or EDGE, verifies that a project meets recognised standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, and resilience, giving buyers and investors measurable proof of sustainability rather than unverified claims.

How does sustainable real estate development reduce costs?

Sustainable real estate development uses passive design, efficient materials, and renewable energy to lower a building’s energy and water consumption, which reduces utility costs for owners and occupants over the property’s lifetime.

Is climate-resilient real estate more expensive to build?

Some resilient materials and certification processes involve upfront investment, but they typically deliver long-term savings through lower utility bills, reduced maintenance, and stronger resale value.

This was all about Water Security. For more information on rainwater harvesting systems and real estate investment options, please visit Chakor.

CategoriesNews Economy Investment Real Estate Investment

US Business Delegation Wraps Up Karachi Visit, Reviews SIFC-Backed Investment Projects

KARACHI: A high-level United States business delegation wrapped up a two-day visit to Karachi on Sunday, engaging with Sindh’s provincial leadership to assess investment prospects across multiple sectors under the facilitation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

On the visit’s second day, delegates held meetings with provincial ministers to review opportunities tied to major development initiatives, including the Bin Qasim Industrial Park and Karachi Industrial Park, alongside other proposed schemes designed to expand industrial and commercial output in the province.

The delegation also received briefings on the Sindh Business One-Stop Shop, Keti Bandar Port, the NED Tech Park, and the proposed Sindh International Financial Centre, with provincial officials detailing each project’s scope and investment potential.

A separate session with the Pakistan Business Council broadened the discussion to capital markets, agriculture, textiles, energy, minerals, and healthcare, among other economic segments.

American delegates conveyed confidence in Pakistan’s strengthening investment climate, citing expanding opportunities across industries. Business representatives further stressed that sustained investor confidence hinges on policy continuity and streamlined regulatory procedures, while crediting SIFC’s coordinating role in advancing ongoing investment efforts.

The visit adds to a string of recent engagements aimed at deepening US-Pakistan commercial ties, with Sindh positioning its industrial parks, port infrastructure, and financial-sector projects as key entry points for foreign capital amid the province’s broader push to court international investors.

For more real estate news and special reports, visit Chakor.

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