Punjab Plans to Regularize Illegal Housing Schemes

The Punjab government is reviewing a proposal to bring thousands of unauthorized housing schemes under the legal framework, aiming to regulate unplanned growth and ensure residents have access to civic services.

Punjab has witnessed rapid urban expansion, resulting in a surge of unapproved housing projects. To address this, the Board of Revenue (BoR), in consultation with the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and other departments, is working on a plan to integrate these schemes into the regulatory net. Officials argue that the move will balance enforcement with practicality, since many houses have already been built in unapproved societies.

The plan suggests heavy fines for developers and proposes that violations previously considered non-compoundable be made compoundable, giving authorities the ability to impose calculated penalties. Developers would also be required to bring projects in line with planning regulations by providing essential amenities such as roads, parks, mosques, and greenbelts.

LDA Chief Metropolitan Planner Faisal Qureshi explained:

“The proposal will allow us to impose strict penalties while ensuring that residents in existing schemes gain access to essential services.”