Punjab to Establish New Authority to Stop Illegal Housing Societies

The Punjab government has made a key decision to establish the Punjab Special Planning Authority (PSPA) to regulate and prevent the development of illegal housing societies.

According to a government spokesperson, a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reviewed proposals for distinct and standardized colors and designs for commercial and residential areas. The session also assessed measures to make housing societies more environmentally friendly, pedestrian-friendly, and aligned with modern urban planning standards.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to submit daily progress reports on the Lahore Development Plan. Officials briefed the meeting that the e-tendering process for the Lahore Development Plan has resulted in significant cost savings. Under Phase 1, a progress report on 414 development schemes was presented.

Functions of the Punjab Special Planning Authority (PSPA)

• Zoning of commercial, residential, and agricultural land
• Overseeing and updating district land-use plans and zoning regulations every four years
• Monitoring and preventing unauthorized land use through a Violation Tracking Mechanism
• Using a District Digital Wall to identify land misuse
• Fast-tracking approvals based on digital data

District-Level Oversight

• Deputy Commissioners will head district special committees
• Representatives from WAPDA, Sui Gas, WASA, and other service providers will be part of the committee

Directives from the Chief Minister

CM Maryam Nawaz has ordered the immediate resolution of pending applications in the housing sector. She emphasized that effective town planning is essential for a sustainable future, warning that poor urban planning has led to the uncontrolled growth of illegal housing societies in urban areas.