LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed a province-wide ban on unplanned urban development activities that violate district master plans, aiming to control unregulated expansion and protect the province’s green spaces.
During a meeting at the Housing Department, it was decided that the approval of all private housing societies will now be strictly in line with district master plans.
Officials have been instructed to ensure rigorous scrutiny before granting approvals to prevent violations that contribute to environmental degradation.
A spokesperson for the department stated that unplanned urbanization has led to the destruction of green spaces and a rise in smog levels.
The spokesperson added that the government’s top priorities include protecting citizens’ lives and property, as well as promoting sustainable development.
He further noted that comprehensive planning is underway to regulate private housing societies across the province, with the new measures expected to help preserve green zones and improve air quality.
In a separate development, Pakistan Railways has terminated a 25-year-old contract for coolie, luggage, and parcel handling at Lahore Railway Station.
The station manager will now oversee these operations directly, ending the requirement for porters to pay commissions to contractors.