According to official sources, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has decided to establish a technology park on nearly 119 kanals of land along Ferozepur Road after internal market research found the site suitable for IT and allied businesses.
LDA Chief Town Planner-I Asaduz Zaman said the authority planned to utilise the land for a major technology and IT hub through private-sector investment.
“We want to utilise our precious land for the establishment of a major tech/IT hub, involving the private sector to invest in the purchase of commercial plots of various sizes, with state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated parking plaza,” he told Dawn.
The land previously housed a fruit and vegetable market, which was relocated to Kahna in 2011 as part of efforts to address environmental concerns in the area.
The LDA had acquired the nearly 119-kanal site from the Model Town Cooperative Housing Society in 1978 and subsequently established the market there.
Following its relocation, the authority paid more than Rs761 million in compensation to owners of 103 shops for structures, relocation and other related costs. The remaining land was acquired under the Land Acquisition Act for Rs1.847 billion.
The site was later proposed for a hospital after several public and private organisations expressed interest in acquiring it. In December 2021, the LDA approved its allotment to the Specialised Healthcare Department for more than Rs2 billion.
However, the department failed to make the required payment despite being granted extensions. Although possession was reportedly handed over, the project did not materialise.
In January 2023, the then chief minister and senior officials decided to allot 57 kanals to the department free of cost for a proposed 100-bed hospital, but the plan also failed to take off.
Under the new Tech Park City plan, around 50 kanals have been earmarked for commercial use, while 1.12 kanals will be allocated for public buildings. Around 6.17 kanals have been designated for parks, with nearly 60 kanals reserved for parking and roads.
Commercial plots of eight, 15 and one kanal will be offered, with buildings of up to 72 feet (ground plus five floors) and 90 feet (ground plus six floors) permitted under the plan.
The first ballot for the open auction of plots is scheduled for October 14, while the remaining plots will be auctioned in 2027 and 2028.
The LDA expects to generate around Rs13.566 billion through the plot auctions. It has also estimated revenue of Rs45 million from leasing a petrol pump site and a food outlet.
LDA Director (Auction) Ali Bin Sohail said the project would help promote business activity and investment in the IT sector.
