LAHORE: The Punjab government has asked the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to prepare new Facade, Signage, and Setback Regulations 2025 to improve the city’s appearance and protect its architectural identity.
The decision was made during a recent high-level meeting where LDA Director General Tahir Farooq gave a briefing to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Noor ul Amin Mengal. He explained the current rules about building designs, signboards, and open space around buildings.
A special committee will be formed to draft the new regulations, which will later become part of the LDA Building and Zoning Regulations 2019.
Officials said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz wants to make Lahore more attractive and preserve its heritage. These new rules aim to reduce visual pollution caused by unplanned building designs.
The new policy will follow a reward-and-penalty model. Building owners who follow the new rules will receive full support from the government, including design help.
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To make things easier, an E-Facade Bank will be launched. This online platform will offer free pre-approved designs and 3D visual previews of building fronts. People can choose from these ready-made, approved designs.
Action Against Violators
A phased enforcement plan has been approved. In the first step, property owners will receive notices with clear deadlines. If they do not follow the rules:
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Fines will be charged based on location
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The buildings may be sealed
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If seals are broken without permission, FIRs will be registered
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Mengal said the goal is to bring uniformity to commercial buildings, improve the city’s look, and save its historical charm.
He added that random and mismatched building fronts are damaging Lahore’s skyline and ruining the beauty of old areas. Although some rules already exist, the new ones will be stricter, more refined, and properly enforced. They will help protect the cultural identity of Lahore and give the city a cleaner and more organised look.
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It is important to mention that on July 11, the LDA set up a Facade Standardisation Committee to suggest standard building designs in areas under the LDA and Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL).
The committee includes:
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Two Chief Town Planners
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Directors Town Planning from all zones
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Director of Architecture
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Municipal Officer (Planning)
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Members of Builders and Developers Association
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Experts from the Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners.
