Murad Ali Shah Calls for Full Integration of E-Mutation, E-Registration, and E-Transfer Systems to Boost Transparency

Karachi, July 26, 2025. In a decisive move to modernize Sindh’s land management systems, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah directed the Board of Revenue (BoR) to expedite the integration of e-mutation with e-registration and accelerate the rollout of the e-transfer mechanism.

Chairing a high-level meeting at CM House, Shah reviewed the progress of the Land Administration & Revenue Management Information System (LARMIS) and stressed the urgent need to digitize land records across the province. He emphasized seamless interconnectivity among platforms to enhance service delivery and eliminate bureaucratic delays.

The CM was briefed on the current capabilities of LARMIS, including its 27 operational People’s Service Centres (PSCs), the online portal, and robust data infrastructure in Karachi and Hyderabad. He noted that over 100,000 digital registrations are expected by July 2025.

Officials were instructed to submit a detailed implementation timeline for full digital integration. Shah reiterated that digitization will improve transparency, curb corruption, and secure land rights for both rural and urban citizens, marking a transformative shift in Sindh’s governance framework.

“The goal is clear: fast, fair, and fully digital land services for every citizen,” He declared.

Punjab Government Unveils Grand Development Plan for Religious and Cultural Hub

NANKANA SAHIB, July 2025: Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, has vowed to transform Nankana Sahib into a modern, model city, aligning with international standards in infrastructure, heritage preservation, and civic facilities. The announcement came during her recent visit to the town, where she chaired a high-level meeting with local officials and community representatives.

The Chief Minister emphasized the religious, cultural, and historical significance of Nankana Sahib, particularly as the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The government’s new development initiative aims to elevate the city’s living standards while preserving its unique spiritual significance.

The proposed makeover includes upgraded road networks, underground drainage systems, improved waste management, beautification of public spaces, and enhanced security measures for pilgrims. A detailed urban master plan will also prioritize smart infrastructure, green zones, and heritage restoration.

Maryam Nawaz assured local stakeholders that the government would allocate special funds for the project and consult all relevant departments to ensure its efficient and transparent execution.

This initiative is part of Punjab’s broader vision to promote inclusive urban growth, religious tourism, and civic modernization across underdeveloped cities. The project also aims to enhance livelihoods, promote local businesses, and deliver improved municipal services to the residents of Nankana Sahib.

Green Mobility Gets a Boost with Eco-Friendly Transit Pilot on Canal Road

LAHORE, July 2025: In a groundbreaking step toward sustainable urban mobility, Lahore has received its first electric tram, imported from China, as part of a pilot project aimed at modernizing the city’s public transportation network. The initiative follows the successful launch of the Orange Line Metro Train and electric buses, reinforcing Punjab’s vision for a cleaner, smarter transit system.

According to officials, the three-compartment electric tram, capable of carrying up to 250 passengers, will undergo testing along Canal Road. The vehicle requires just 10 minutes of charging to travel 25–27 kilometers, making it highly energy-efficient and suitable for Lahore’s traffic corridors.

The Ali Town Depot is currently preparing the tram for its first test run. Authorities will evaluate its road compatibility, commuter feedback, and operational efficiency before scaling the project citywide. As part of the Punjab government’s broader clean transport agenda, the tram aims to reduce urban pollution, traffic congestion, and reliance on fossil fuels.

If successful, officials confirm that additional trams may be introduced across other major Lahore routes, marking a significant leap forward in eco-friendly public transport for Pakistan’s second-largest city.

Asian Development Bank Team Assesses 480-km Stretch for Possible Funding Support

KARACHI, July 2025: A high-level delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) visited the Karachi–Rohri railway section, a pivotal part of the long-awaited Main Line-1 (ML-1) upgrade project, on Saturday. Led by ADB Chief Transport Planner Sangyoon Kim, the team comprised infrastructure specialists and senior officials from Pakistan Railways.

The 480-kilometer stretch, which handles key freight and passenger traffic, including coal from Thar and mineral reserves from Reko Diq, is under evaluation for its feasibility and financing potential as part of ML-1’s Phase 1.

Officials confirmed that the ADB team would also consult with Pakistan Railways’ leadership and Chinese engineers to explore collaborative funding pathways. The ML-1 project, spanning 1,872 km from Karachi to Peshawar, aims to modernize Pakistan’s core rail network by increasing speeds to 160 km/h, doubling capacity, and enhancing safety.

With China slowing its investment in ML-1 due to delays, Pakistan is now engaging ADB and other financiers to revive momentum. A structured financing proposal could reverse infrastructure decline and prevent further service deterioration due to frequent derailments.

The visit signals renewed interest in reviving Pakistan’s rail backbone through multilateral partnerships.

Government Prioritizes Alternative Markets Before Demolition of 2,300 Shops in Lahore’s Heritage Zone

LAHORE, July 23, 2025: In a significant move to balance urban development with economic protection, the Punjab government has postponed the demolition of nearly 2,300 shops along Lahore’s historic Circular Road, pending the construction of dedicated underground markets for affected traders.

This decision, part of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR) project to restore the British-era Circular Garden, follows strong opposition from local shopkeepers who feared forced eviction. Over decades, the greenbelt area had been overtaken by 2,285 shops, most of which were previously regularized through rental agreements.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza confirmed that no shop will be removed until alternative spaces are completed at Taxali, Sheranwala, and Mochi gates. These new hubs will feature modern commercial units, parking, and complete civic infrastructure.

Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin assured union leaders of 18 trade bodies that the government will deliver state-of-the-art commercial markets, in line with directives from Mian Nawaz Sharif, Chair of LAHR.

This restoration project seeks to protect Lahore’s heritage while ensuring no loss of livelihood for small traders, a model for inclusive urban renewal.

Safeguarding Buyers, Restoring Order: CDA to Penalize Unauthorized Developments Under New Enforcement Plan

ISLAMABAD, July 2025: In a major policy move to curb unauthorized urban sprawl, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has initiated a strict enforcement operation against illegal housing and cooperative societies across Islamabad. This decisive action is taken at the directives of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and will be overseen by CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa.

Under the new enforcement mechanism, housing schemes will be categorized based on jurisdiction, either under CDA or ICT administration, for clearer regulation. Each society will be evaluated for layout plan approval, NOC status, and land records, with any unauthorized expansion or sale of files flagged for legal action.

Chairman Randhawa has declared a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal developments. Developers found to be violating regulations will face strict penalties, including demolition, cancellation of their file, and potential criminal proceedings. Additionally, suppliers aiding such construction will also be penalized.

To protect potential buyers, the CDA will release an updated list of illegal housing projects on its official website and urge citizens to avoid investments in unapproved schemes.

This operation reflects the CDA’s renewed commitment to planned urban growth, public safety, and transparent real estate practices in Pakistan’s capital.

Business leaders warn new tax and wage policies could stall investment and hurt retail recovery.

RAWALPINDI: July 20, 2025: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has called on the Punjab government to urgently review its recent decision to impose a 16% sales tax on commercial rent and grant arrest powers over minimum wage violations.

RCCI President Usman Shaukat expressed deep concern, stating that these measures will increase the cost of doing business, particularly for retailers and small tenants, and may deter investment across the province. He warned that the tax could drive legitimate businesses into the informal economy, weakening an already fragile retail and real estate sector still recovering from post-COVID shocks.

Highlighting the new minimum wage of Rs 40,000, Shaukat criticized the budget clause that allows the arrest of non-compliant business owners, calling it coercive and prone to abuse. While supporting fair wages, he argued that policy must reflect market realities, noting a sharp drop in inflation to 6%.

The RCCI urged the government to engage in dialogue with business stakeholders to revise these policies, thereby preserving industrial confidence and promoting job creation in Punjab.

Training initiatives in AI, construction, agriculture, and hospitality aim to equip Pakistani youth with globally competitive skills under CPTICE

Pakistan and China have formally agreed to initiate comprehensive joint training programs in artificial intelligence, construction engineering, agriculture, and hospitality management as part of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The agreements were reached during a high-level visit from July 6 to 12, 2025, by Gulmina Bilal Ahmad, Chairperson of NAVTTC and Pakistan-side Co-Chair of the China-Pakistan TVET Industrial Centre of Excellence (CPTICE) (Dawn).

During the mission, Pakistani delegates held strategic working sessions at Pakistan’s embassy in Beijing, collaborating with entities such as CIIC and Tang International Education Group. They agreed to jointly develop curricula, link vocational institutes with industry partners, and launch hands-on training initiatives tailored to Pakistan’s evolving labor demands.

Key outcomes include signing an MoU with Anhui College to establish the China-Pakistan Huijiang Workshop, complete with training facilities and residential space for Pakistani instructors. In addition, a new China-Pakistan High-Skilled Talent Training Center is set to be launched in collaboration with the Zhejiang Institute, focusing on smart manufacturing and e-commerce capabilities 

Notably, the delegation initiated mechanisms for the mutual recognition of vocational certifications with Saudi Arabia and Oman, thereby opening new employment pathways for Pakistani workers abroad.

 Why It Matters

These initiatives, backed by the official CPTICE framework, aim to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across Pakistan. By aligning training with global industry standards and creating cross-border certification systems, the collaboration supports youth employment and enhances Pakistan’s talent readiness for CPEC-driven industrial growth.

This partnership marks a pivotal step in building a knowledge-based workforce poised to participate in mega infrastructure, energy, and technology projects under CPEC Phase II.

As Pakistan’s economic landscape shifts, a unique investing moment emerges for expatriates to secure premium homes and investments back home.

Amidst robust economic reforms and stabilizing remittances, One Homes declares 2025 as a “golden window” for overseas Pakistanis looking to invest in property in Pakistan (onehomes.com). With a dramatic uptick in inflows, over $4 billion in March alone, confidence is soaring, and One Homes is capitalizing on the growing demand from expatriates seeking legacy-building investments.

Industry insiders note that this surge coincides with Pakistan’s improving infrastructure, enhanced regulatory frameworks, and investor-friendly policies, including tax breaks and easier repatriation of funds. One Homes has positioned itself at the forefront, offering luxury apartments, mixed-use developments, and serviced residences that cater to both homebuyers with return aspirations and rental yield seekers (onehomes.com).

Executives emphasize that Pakistan’s major urban centers Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi are transforming into high-growth zones, making them attractive for capital appreciation and passive income. With its global partnerships and premium developments, One Homes maintains that “the best time to invest is now.” (onehomes.com)

As digital documentation and streamlined processes make cross-border purchases smoother, overseas Pakistanis are advised to act swiftly to benefit from 2025’s favorable financial and structural environment.

New measure aims to align reported property values with market realities but draws criticism from real estate experts

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will require individual taxpayers to declare the Fair Market Value (FMV) of all immovable properties—such as plots, homes, apartments, or commercial units, during purchase, sale, or existing holdings, starting July 1, 2025, for the 2025–26 income tax year (brecorder.com). This directive, issued via SRO 1213(I)/2025 on July 7, mandates manual entry of FMV even if the return system auto-fills previous data, with incomplete filings risking invalidation (timesofkarachi.pk).

However, real estate expert Muhammad Ahsan Malik has criticized the move as redundant, noting taxpayers already report purchase values and adding FMV may confuse the public and imply mistrust (brecorder.com). Malik also raised concerns about new filers being unfairly treated as late filers for property-related taxes and overseas Pakistanis facing hurdles in securing non-resident status certificates from Inland Revenue Commissioners—potentially pushing them toward corruption (brecorder.com).

Despite FBR’s stated goal of improving transparency and compliance, critics argue the requirement adds administrative burden and could deter property transactions, especially among overseas Pakistanis. The real estate industry is urging the FBR to refine the policy to balance oversight with efficiency and trust in taxpayer declarations.