The Punjab government is considering a proposal to legalize thousands of unauthorized housing schemes and land subdivisions across the province.
The plan, under review by the Board of Revenue (BoR) with input from the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and other relevant departments, aims to bring unapproved schemes into the regulatory framework while enforcing stricter compliance measures.
Officials say the move is intended to address unplanned urban growth and ensure residents have access to basic civic services such as roads, parks, mosques, and greenbelts.
LDA Chief Metropolitan Planner Faisal Qureshi said the proposal includes heavy fines for developers. Violations previously considered non-compoundable would be made compoundable, giving authorities the ability to calculate and impose penalties.
Developers would also be required to take corrective steps to bring projects in line with planning regulations. As of June this year, Punjab had 7,905 housing schemes covering about two million kanals.
Of these, 2,687 were approved, while 5,118 were either illegal or still awaiting approval. A large number of houses have already been built in these schemes, complicating enforcement.
Officials argue that if the proposal is adopted, it would not only regulate existing violations but also discourage future development of unapproved projects.
Punjab Govt. should ban on not needed housing societies or conversion of fertile agricultural land in to not needed housing societies.
Reverse the illegal societies in to Agricultural land or convert it in Urban Jungles to get rid of pollution and improve the air quality.
Stop selling big plots in populated society to not needed private school buildings or any other private entity rather develop parks or green corridors.
Strict ban for next 20 years on private or semi private housing societies in the province
Develop small cities like Pakpattan, Okara, Kasur and others so that pressure of population influx in cities like Lahore should be decreased.