The provincial ombudsman has directed the Director General (DG) of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to investigate complaints filed by residents of Al-Hafeez Gardens, take corrective measures, and submit a report within 90 days. The order follows repeated reminders to the LDA that went unanswered.
Residents allege that the housing scheme’s owners, with the support of LDA officials, engaged in serious violations over the past decade. According to a complaint signed by more than 100 residents, the owners sold plots designated for public amenities, reduced road sizes to carve out more plots, delayed basic infrastructure, and charged residents extra for gas connections.
They also accused the owners of tax evasion. The petition claims that four blocks, each just under 100 kanals, were approved in violation of the Private Housing Schemes Rules 2014, which require a graveyard for schemes of 100 kanals or more.
Residents argue that more plots were sold than approved, reducing spaces for mosques, waste management, and other essential facilities. One resident alleged that Ibrahim Block was approved for 173 plots but 250 are being sold, while Ismail Block has 208 approved plots but 460 on the ground.
LDA officials confirmed that a senior officer has been tasked with conducting the inquiry as per the ombudsman’s directive and assured full compliance.