Category: Lahore

Lahore: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA)’s process of providing residential and commercial plots on easy installment plans is continuing, with successful applicants now being allotted their plot numbers following the fifth computerized ballot.

The computerized draw, held on May 18, allocated plot numbers to successful applicants for both residential and commercial plots in various LDA housing schemes. The allotment covered plots in Johar Town, LDA City, Allama Iqbal Town and LDA Enclave.

Congratulating the successful applicants, DG LDA Tahir Farooq said that those who had been allotted plot numbers through the transparent balloting process deserved congratulations. He added that the LDA is continuing to offer more residential and commercial plots in its housing schemes on easy three-year installment plans to facilitate citizens.

Successful applicants can check their allotted plot numbers on the official LDA website, lda.gop.pk.

Lahore: US Consul General Lahore Stetson Sanders said on Wednesday that United States (US) values its longstanding economic partnership with Pakistan and remains committed to expanding trade, investment, and commercial engagement between the two countries, while the current period represents a unique moment in bilateral relations.

He stated that as Charge d Affaires Nathalie Baker recently observed, ‘These are probably the best diplomatic relations we’ve had in our history.’ The Consul General was speaking during his visit to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). He was accompanied by Chief of the Political and Economic Section Will Campbell, and his colleagues Amna Anis and Hassan Raza.

LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol welcomed the delegation, while LCCI Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi and Executive Committee Members were also present.

Consul General Stetson Sanders said, ‘Pakistan has talented entrepreneurs, young and dynamic workforce, and companies which continue to innovate despite significant challenges. Those strengths create opportunities not only within Pakistan, but also around the world.’

Reflecting on his year in Lahore, he noted that his travels across Punjab had allowed him to meet numerous young innovators and business leaders who continue to succeed despite regulatory and economic challenges.

Referring to the bilateral trade relationship, he noted that trade between the two countries reached approximately USD 8.7 billion during the last fiscal year, supported by strong Pakistani exports of textiles and manufactured goods. He also noted that there is significant potential to expand our relationship through increased investment, deeper commercial partnerships, and cooperation in areas such as technology, energy, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing.

He further highlighted the importance of research and development, education, and workforce readiness. He stressed that businesses and industries represented by Lahore Chamber would play a critical role in achieving this objective.

Consul General Stetson Sanders also encouraged Pakistani businesses to engage with the US Commercial Service, in Lahore. He explained that the service helps connect Pakistani companies with American partners, facilitates technology exchanges, provides market intelligence, organizes trade delegations and supports participation in major US trade exhibitions. He said these initiatives are designed to help Pakistani companies identify suppliers, access technologies, establish strategic partnerships and explore investment opportunities in the United States.

Welcoming the US Consul General and his delegation, LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol acknowledged the Consul General’s extensive diplomatic experience spanning over two decades, including assignments in South Sudan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, India, and Spain.

LCCI President said that cooperation between Pakistan and United States in promoting peace and stability in the region has earned international appreciation. He noted that constructive role played by both countries in encouraging dialogue, supporting diplomatic solutions, and helping reduce tensions at critical moments has been widely recognized. He emphasized that Pakistan’s business community deeply values such efforts, as peace remains essential for economic development and global harmony.

Saigol said that United States remains Pakistan’s largest single export destination, receiving nearly 20 percent of Pakistan’s exports. He stressed that the strong trade relationship demonstrates significant potential for further expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation. He called for enhanced collaboration between the Lahore Chamber and the US Consulate General to facilitate stronger commercial linkages and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Highlighting the importance of small and medium enterprises, he noted that SMEs contribute around 40 percent to Pakistan’s GDP and offer vast opportunities for bilateral cooperation. He emphasized the need to support SMEs through the adoption of artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, e-commerce, and digital business platforms so that Pakistani enterprises can better access international markets, including the United States.

The LCCI President also underscored the importance of skill development and workforce training. He said Pakistan’s young and energetic workforce possesses immense potential and can benefit from cooperation in technical education, vocational training, and digital skills development. Such initiatives, he added, would help create employment opportunities, foster innovation, and support sustainable economic growth.

He further emphasized the need to assist Pakistani exporters in understanding international standards, certification requirements, and regulatory procedures necessary for entering the US market. While textiles remain Pakistan’s leading export sector, he identified IT services, agricultural products, engineering goods, surgical instruments, leather products, sports goods, and pharmaceuticals as sectors with strong export potential. He also pointed to opportunities for joint ventures in electric vehicles, mining, and maritime services. Expressing optimism regarding ongoing trade discussions, he hoped that tariffs on Pakistani exports would remain minimal and that bilateral economic cooperation would continue to expand.

Lahore: Two Pakistani nationals who had reportedly gone missing in Iran safely reached the Pakistan Embassy in Tehran following coordinated efforts by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), officials said on Wednesday.

According to FIA officials on Wednesday, the development came as a result of the timely intervention and coordinated efforts of FIA Director General Dr. Usman Anwar and the FIA Link Office in Iran.

The two individuals, identified as Talha and Shehzad, belong to Pasin village Jallo Mor in Lahore.

The recovered citizens expressed gratitude to DG FIA Dr. Usman Anwar, the FIA Link Office in Iran and other FIA officials for their prompt assistance and continuous efforts in ensuring their safe return to the Pakistan Embassy in Tehran.

Further necessary arrangements are being made in coordination with the relevant authorities, FIA officials added.

Lahore: Acting on the directions of Director General Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Tahir Farooq,

the LDA Town Planning Wing has sealed 84 properties during a series of enforcement actions.

LDA teams conducted operations in Gulberg, Faisal Town, Canal Road, Gulshan Ravi, and Mustafa Town against properties involved in unauthorized commercial use and commercial fee defaulters.

During the operation, 28 properties in Gulberg and Faisal Town and 36 properties along Canal Road and in Gulshan Ravi were sealed for illegal commercial use. In a separate recovery operation, LDA teams sealed 20 additional properties in Mustafa Town.

The sealed properties included private schools, grocery stores, cafés, restaurants, food outlets, bakeries, beauty salons, clinics, workshops, shops, offices, and other establishments found to be operating in violation of LDA regulations.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of Chief Town Planner-I Asad Uz Zaman.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to ensure the prompt resolution of public issues raised by lawmakers from Mandi Bahauddin during a meeting held to review constituency matters and the prevailing political situation.

Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) Khalid Mehmood Ranjha and Chaudhry Akhtar Abbas Bosal called on the chief minister and briefed her on the needs and concerns of residents of provincial constituencies PP-42 and PP-43. They also discussed matters of mutual interest and the overall political situation.

The chief minister instructed the relevant departments to take immediate steps to address the public issues highlighted by the legislators, reaffirming her government’s commitment to responsive and people-centric governance.

The lawmakers appreciated the launch of the electric bus service in Mandi Bahauddin and commended the chief minister’s initiatives for the beautification of major and smaller cities across Punjab.

CM Maryam Nawaz said that additional electric buses would be introduced not only in Mandi Bahauddin but also in other districts of the province to provide modern, environmentally friendly and affordable public transport facilities. She said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had always honoured the commitments made to the people with the blessings of Almighty Allah.

The CM said the construction and expansion of more than 32,000 kilometres of roads across Punjab would significantly boost economic and commercial activity by improving connectivity and facilitating trade. She added that the international recognition earned by the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar programme, the Safe City initiative and the Suthra Punjab campaign reflected the Punjab government’s commitment to effective governance, public welfare and sustainable development.

Lahore: Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan Wednesday chaired a high-level consultative meeting to explore practical measures for improving access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The meeting was arranged by Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA). Over 70 SME-based chambers and industry associations from across Pakistan attended the meeting online. Federal Secretary for Industries and Production Saif Anjum, Additional Secretary Ms. Humaira Zia Mufti, SMEDA General Manager Hassanain Javed and other senior officials were also present.

Addressing the participants, Haroon Akhtar Khan said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is committed to making bank financing more accessible for SMEs. On the Prime Minister’s instructions, he added, a working group comprising representatives of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has been constituted to review and simplify the SME lending process.

He further stated that Ministry of Industries and Production, through SMEDA, is also conducting a comprehensive review of the key barriers preventing SMEs from obtaining bank financing. He revealed that the Prime Minister has sought a list of companies whose loan applications were recently rejected by banks.

The SAPM urged representatives of the participating trade bodies to submit, at the earliest, details of SMEs whose loan applications had been declined. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister and through the collaborative efforts of the State Bank of Pakistan, the Ministry of Industries and Production, and SMEDA, the process of obtaining bank financing for SMEs would soon become simpler, transparent, and more efficient.

Haroon Akhtar Khan said, the government would also obtain records of rejected loan applications from banks to analyze the reasons behind their rejection and take appropriate measures to address those issues.

Speaking on the occasion, SMEDA Chief Executive Officer Ms. Nadia Jahangir Seth informed the participants that SMEDA has established an SME Registration Portal through which all SMEs are being registered free of charge. She explained that the objective of this initiative is to enable SMEs to benefit from government support programmes, including improved access to finance and other public sector facilitation services.

During the meeting, representatives of more than 70 chambers of commerce and SME associations from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan highlighted the challenges faced by SMEs in obtaining financing and presented a range of practical recommendations to overcome these obstacles.

Concluding the session, SMEDA CEO assured the participants that all recommendations received during the consultation would be consolidated and conveyed to the Prime Minister through the SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan, for consideration.