LAHORE: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has issued a show cause notice to a private developer, Soul City, for the illegal development of a housing society.
The notice was issued by LDA’s metropolitan wing on Monday for the violations u/s 13(5), 14A, 34, 35 R/W 5, 6, and 17 of the second schedule part-B of the LDA Act 1975 read with amended act 2013.
The notice states that the society has started illegal development at the site including leveling of roads and laying of sewerage trunk infrastructure without prior final approval from the competent authority.
Furthermore, the society has also started illegal extension of the scheme on the site of an under-process housing scheme namely Punjab University Town 3, and the affectees of Punjab University Town 3 were being compensated with files/plots of Soul City.
The LDA has warned Soul City to stop the illegalities/offenses and submit a reply within seven days from the issuance of the notice.
Failure to do so will result in the LDA proceeding against them for further legal action under prevailing laws/rules without service of any further notice.
Besides, Dr. Khuram Shahzad, Assistant Professor of the School of Communication Studies, University of Punjab, has also applied to the DG LDA.
In the application, he highlighted the fraud worth billions of rupees in the town and requests LDA to look into the scam of issuing fake LDA-approved stamped letters to Jamia Town 3 members.
He stated that he wants to verify whether these letters issued by Soul City to the members of Jamia Town were true/fake/duly approved by the Lahore Development Authority.
Shahzad has appealed to the LDA DG to take immediate notice of the issue and proceed as per law over this scam.
According to sources, the affectees also plan to approach NAB, FIA, and Anti-Corruption Establishment against the alleged fraud.
Source: DAWN
It’s encouraging to see the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) taking action against illegal housing society development. Such measures are essential to maintain order, protect public interest, and ensure the safety and well-being of residents. The notice issued to the private developer serves as a reminder that adherence to regulations and proper approval processes are crucial in the real estate sector. This step by the LDA sends a strong message that unauthorized developments will not be tolerated, safeguarding the rights of genuine buyers and investors. It reinforces the importance of responsible urban planning and development practices for the sustainable growth of cities.