Citizens Warned Against Investing in Illegal Societies

The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has urged citizens to verify the status of housing societies before investing by visiting its official website, www.rda.gop.pk.

RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza stated that strict legal actions are being taken against violators of rules, with 149 notices issued to illegal or unapproved housing schemes. This initiative is part of the RDA’s ongoing efforts to protect the public from exploitation and financial losses. She warned citizens against investing in these 149 housing schemes, as they lack the required No Objection Certificates (NoCs) and approvals from the authority.

Highlighting the intensified crackdown on unapproved housing schemes, Ms. Murtaza explained that many of these projects mislead citizens by offering ownership of homes that exist only on paper, often limited to maps and advertisements. “RDA is fully committed to safeguarding the public from the damaging effects of these illegal schemes and is utilizing all available resources to take strict action,” she said.

The DG urged the public to always verify the legality of housing schemes before investing. “Consult with RDA to ensure the scheme you are considering is legally approved and your investment is secure,” she advised. She also announced that the RDA has halted the approval of new housing schemes.

A comprehensive survey categorized housing schemes into three groups based on their legal status. Following directives from the Divisional Intelligence Committee, the RDA Task Force is regularly conducting operations against illegal projects. Recent actions targeted several unapproved schemes, including Top View City (D-17) by Orbit International, Al-Baraqa Garden, Kohsar Extension (F-Block), Nabeel Block near Kohsar Extension, Ring Road Enclave by Jawahir City Pvt. Ltd., Hurtus Floare, Countree Farmhouse and Resorts, Gilgit City, Mehmood Town by K & M Construction and Developers Pvt. Ltd., Hamdard City, Green Hurtus, and others. The RDA enforcement squad demolished road infrastructure, security offices, sewerage lines, containers, and advertisement boards, and sealed site offices associated with these schemes.

To further protect the public, the RDA has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign about housing schemes. Ms. Murtaza advised citizens to visit the RDA website or contact the One Window Operation Center for information on legal and illegal housing schemes.

She revealed that only 69 housing schemes have obtained RDA approval under the law, while all others are illegal. The RDA has compiled a list of non-compliant schemes, which will face legal action. The DG assured that only legally approved housing schemes will be permitted to operate in the future, with all such projects being closely monitored to ensure public investments remain secure.