PESHAWAR: The Provincial Inspection Team (PIT) has initiated an investigation into the alleged illegal activities of housing societies in the provincial capital and various regions of the province.
In a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Forest, Wildlife, and Environment Department, the PIT stated that it is conducting this inquiry based on directives from the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
On September 23, the Mathra police station filed a case against three directors of Bahria Town Housing Society for alleged violations of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Act, 2013, and Local Government Rules, 2021.
The FIR listed Malik Riaz Hussain, the housing society owner, and two other directors, Hina Malik and Hamid Riaz, as the accused.
As per the details, the complaint was lodged by the town municipal administration, and the case involves charges under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The complaint highlighted Bahria Housing Society’s failure to obtain NOC from Mathra TMA, which was a violation of KP Local Government [Private Housing Scheme Management and Regulation] Rules, 2021, and Section 66 of KP Local Government Act, 2013.
According to sources, the focus of the investigation is also on other housing societies such as Bahria Town, Citi, Nova, and others.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) staff involved in issuing No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to KP Enclave/Nova Citi Housing Society and Minerat-9 Housing Society have been also summoned to appear before the PIT on October 4 for inquiries and to record statements.
Earlier, on September 13, the caretaker provincial government had announced that the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team would initiate an inquiry into housing societies operating without NOCs.
They emphasized the importance of investing in housing schemes with valid NOCs from relevant authorities.
Feroze Jamal Shah Kakakhel, the provincial caretaker minister for information, had urged caution, revealing that Citi Housing and Bahria Town in Peshawar lacked the required NOCs and legal documentation for operation.
He emphasized that people should only invest in housing schemes that possess valid NOCs.
Besides, legal action had already been taken to close the offices of some housing schemes lacking NOCs, and other relevant documentation.
Source: DAWN
