Special Initiatives in LDA: Under the Visionary Leadership of CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif

Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a series of special initiatives have been taken in last 12 months in Lahore Development Authority.Upon assuming office, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif paid her visit to LDA, following her guidance and vision, Lahore Development Authority has shifted its focus to IT-based reforms and revenue generation.

LDA under the dynamic leadership of VC Mian Marghoob Ahmed and DG LDA Tahir Farooq has generated record revenue amounted to 24.2 billion from January to December 2024, first time in the history of LDA.

Similarly, LDA is providing residential plots to citizens through a computerized ballot on 3 year installment plan. In the first phase, 88 residential plots were allocated through computerized ballot. LDA has announced second ballot on March 18, 2025.

CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, during her first visit, has upgraded LDA Enforcement Squad, equipped with uniforms, enforcement vehicles, toolkits, new motorcycles, and other necessary provisions. In last 12 months, the LDA enforcement squad conducted 676 successful operations against illegal constructions and encroachments. Encroachments removed from 2,215 properties and the debris cleared from 318 locations. Moreover, 62 FIRs were lodged on illegal construction activities. The efforts resulted in the dismantling of illegal structures, encroachments, and slums across the city. LDA under special initiative of “Protection of LDA Property” has retrieved 850 kanals of LDA-owned precious land from Johar Town, Sabzazar, Gujjarpura, Township and other schemes. These valuable properties worth billion of Rupees has now been included in LDA plot bank and will be madeavailable for public auction, soon.

On special interest of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif LDA has initiated pilot project of first ever “Biker Lane” consisting of 10km of Ferozepur Road Lahore, a pioneer initiative of its kind in Pakistan. Under this pilot project a 10-kilometer dedicated biker-lane on both sides, stretching from the Canal Junction to the Lahore Bridge on Ferozepur Road. This pilot project is designed to mitigate traffic accidents and enhance traffic flow.

Another CM initiative is to improve the existing road infrastructure of Provincial capital, LDA and TEPA did patch work on 110 KM main roads spanning over 300 kilometers across Lahore. Restoration and rehabilitation of these roads have substantially improved public infrastructure, improved traffic flow and alleviated public inconvenience. This initiative includes patchwork, Lane Marking, Path Holes, Improvements in Curb Stones and solution of other related issues.

Under the sustainable model, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated Central Park in LDA Avenue One, spanningover area of 87 kanals. This park is equipped with a jogging track, pedestrian walkways, a designated children’s play zone, an open-air gymnasium, Solar lights and rain water harvesting well. Additionally, a cafeteria, mosque, and rose garden have been incorporated within the park’s precincts.

LDA has completed remodeling of Adda Plot, under the Sustainable Development Model. Pine Avenue, and Raiwind Road have been made cleared from unauthorized constructions and encroachments. LDA has transformed this area into a linear park, developed parking area, pedestrian walkways, sitting area and uniformly designed facade and signage of commercial properties. Moreover, LDA under sustainable model started development works Like, Remodeling of Thokar Entry Point, Remodeling of G-1 Market Johar Town, B-3 Block Gulberg, upgradation of Tollinton Market, and construction of main boulevard Sabzazar. Construction works in these projects are underway. Moreover, Chief Minister has sanctioned the remodeling and beautification of MM Alam Road.

LDA has distinguished itself as the pioneering development authority in Pakistan by issuing online approval of residential building plans. To date, over 1,300 online plans have been issued to citizens. Furthermore, LDA will soon launch the online approval of commercial building plans, as well. To curb the illegal commercialization, LDA has digitally mapped more than 9300 illegal properties and recovered million of Rupees. LDA under ease of doing business has approved commercialization of 08 new roads and introduced business friendly rules. A Central Monitoring System (CMS) with the support of NESPAK are being established in LDA. This CMS will help to digitally monitor Private Schemes, Town Planning and Building Control with support of Artificial intelligence and drone technology.

Under the vision of Digital Punjab, marking a historic milestone in 2024, LDA accomplished the sifting of 65,246 property files and ensured availability of online records of sifted files. LDA has fixed the processing time of sifted applications within 24 to 48 hours and Non-sifted within 8 to 10 days. These initiatives aimed to facilitate public at large. LDA has transformed one window cell into Citizen Facilitation Center with provision of more than 50 services under one roof. A state of the art Property Transfer cell has also established in order to provide better service delivery to the citizens. Furthermore, the Citizen Facilitation Center has also been upgraded in LDA Avenue-I Scheme with modern facilities.

On Special directions of CM Punjab, this year Significant efforts are being made for development of LDA City. LDA governing body has approved construction of structural plan roads, re-planning of “Health City”, “Education City” and a “Business Bay”. LDA has expedited underground electrifications, completion of Chenab Road, main entry gate and other development works. LDA has handed over more than 1,000 plots in Blocks B, D, and E of Jinnah Sector to the allottees. To date, a total of 3,500 allottees from Blocks C and F have also been granted possession. Moreover, LDA has also planned to initiate development works in Iqbal Sector.

Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif has inaugurated complete project of Controlled Access Corridor located at Bund Road, Lahore. This 7.5 kilometer corridor, inclusive of service road is marking a significant contribution in urban mobility. Moreover, CM Punjab has inaugurated another project of public importance, 540-meter-long, Four-Lane Bridge over the River Ravi, representing the second-largest infrastructural project of its category. Completion of these mega projects has provided a sigh of relief to the citizen of Lahore.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025