ISLAMABAD: The caretaker government has called upon the provinces to collaborate in finalizing master plans and regulations aimed at preventing the conversion of agricultural lands into housing and industrial developments.
Minister for Planning and Development, Sami Saeed, emphasized the urgency of preserving agricultural land in light of the challenges faced by the country.
He made these remarks during an inter-provincial coordination committee meeting focusing on “Building Consensus for Regulating the Conversion of Agricultural Land to Housing Societies in Pakistan.”
While all provinces indicated that they had established master plans and strict regulations prohibiting the use of agricultural lands for housing societies and industrial or commercial activities, they raised concerns about the influential real estate authorities.
The details suggest that these entities, some operating under institutional cover and others functioning across provincial boundaries, often posed challenges to the enforcement of regulations by government departments.
Besides, the provincial representatives were requested to submit written recommendations and highlight the challenges they face within one week.
The committee would not convene again, but it would compile a comprehensive report, including suggestions for the way forward, to be presented to the caretaker prime minister within a fortnight.
Source: DAWN
