LAHORE: Facing rapid population growth and shifting residential needs, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA)’s public hearing on the Master Plan 2050 highlighted aggressive strategies for high-rise zoning, commercial expansion, and structured urban amenities across the Lahore division.
The LDA hosted the public hearing on Monday, convening international consultants, environmental watchdogs, and key civic stakeholders to map out the division’s urban and economic blueprint for the next quarter-century. The session, which drew participation from developers, the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD), and community representatives, detailed how key sectors like the Central Business District (CBD), the Ravi Riverfront project handled by Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), and defence areas will integrate into the region’s 2050 vision.
Conducted by international consulting firm Dar Al-Handasah, the event integrated feedback on urban sprawl, vertical development, and environmental mitigation across Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Nankana Sahib Districts. The comprehensive briefing, led by Dar Al-Handasah, addressed critical regional challenges including industrial sprawl, smog, and water resource management, while laying down framework strategies for the division’s four primary districts.
On this occasion, LDA Chief Metropolitan Planner Faisal Masood Qureshi provided participants with an overview of the Master Plan 2050. Renowned architect Kamil Khan Mumtaz, a member of the Lahore Bachao Tehreek, and Professor Shakir Mahmood discussed the preparation and various stages of the Master Plan from 2019 to 2026. ABAD Chairman S M Nabeel emphasised the importance of the Master Plan and highlighted the necessity for stakeholder engagement.
The sitting reviewed the master plans of all districts within the Lahore division, including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Nankana. Considerations for future population growth, urban sprawl, and residential needs have been taken into account. The planning process includes provisions for urban amenities, public transportation, and pedestrian needs. Lahore’s culture, parks, greenery, and water resources are also integral components of this planning effort. Furthermore, the plan addresses environmental pollution, smog, industrial sprawl, and various social and economic challenges.
The plan encourages the construction of high-rise buildings as well as commercial and residential high-rise properties within the city. The Lahore Master Plan includes planning considerations for areas that fall under RUDA, CBD, Cantonment, and DHA. Recommendations from the Urban Unit and WWF, which serve as external reviewers of the Master Plan, are also being included. Technical issues are being addressed in collaboration with developers and other stakeholders. Dar Al-Handasah also provided insights into the planning and zoning proposals associated with the Master Plan. Participants were informed that public hearings will also be conducted in Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Nankana in the coming days.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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