LAHORE: Governor Chaudhry Sarwar on Tuesday issued an ordinance to amend the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Act, 1975 under which Sheikhupura, Kasur and Nankana Sahib are no longer part of the authority.

The governor, while acknowledging the demands of provincial ministers, assembly members and the public, on Tuesday issued the ordinance to amend the LDA Act, 1975 and limit the powers of the LDA to Lahore only.

Speaking on the occasion of issuance of the ordinance, Governor Sarwar said the people, ministers and MPAs of the three districts were constantly demanding that they be removed from the confines of the LDA. The government was making decisions according to the aspirations of the people and providing them relief in every sector was the government’s top priority, he added.

Meanwhile, the governor issued another ordinance for the establishment of commercial courts in five districts, including Lahore. A special event was held at Governor House to issue the ordinance. Officers of the relevant departments, including the Lahore High Court and Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Punjab Minister for Commerce Mian Aslam Iqbal and Principal Secretary to the Governor Dr Rashid Mansoor were also present on the occasion.

According to the ordinance, commercial cases pending in other courts will be transferred to these new courts that will decide them within 180 days. Constituency boundaries will also be fixed for all commercial courts.If a defendant did not appear in court, the case will be decided in two dates.

Talking on the occasion, Mr Sarwar said the establishment of commercial courts would restore the confidence of investors in the government and the legal system. Providing timely justice to the business community was the top priority of the government and they will not have to wait for years for verdicts.

The business community will be assured of timely justice through these courts as their role in the economic strength of Pakistan could not be ignored.

Minister Iqbal said the government would address the concerns of the business community and they will together make Pakistan economically strong and prosperous.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2021