The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has approved a one-time amnesty scheme to provide relief to commercial property owners struggling with outstanding dues. The decision aims to ease financial pressure by allowing property owners to regularize their cases under revised payment terms.
The relief plan was finalized after cabinet approval of amendments to the land use rules. Although the government had initially rejected the proposed changes, the revised draft was later resubmitted and formally approved, followed by the issuance of an official notification.
Previously, commercial property owners who failed to pay their commercial fees on time were subject to heavy penalties. They were also required to clear dues according to the revised rates of the new fiscal year, which significantly increased their financial burden.
Under the new law, owners will now be allowed to pay according to the rate of the fiscal year in which their case was originally approved. This adjustment is expected to substantially reduce accumulated dues.
Property owners can regularize their cases by paying 22.5 percent of the required fee under the amnesty scheme.
The LDA has also introduced a four-month grace period for defaulters to make their payments after default. Additionally, commercial cases can be regularized within six months by paying a 30 percent penalty.
The authority to grant the one-time amnesty has been delegated to the relevant Chief Town Planner through the grievance committee, ensuring that cases are processed under proper administrative oversight.
Over the years, strict enforcement of commercial fee regulations had led to mounting penalties and increased dues for property owners in Lahore. Many stakeholders had requested relief, arguing that the existing structure created excessive financial strain.
Urban development experts believe the new amnesty scheme will not only facilitate compliance but also help the LDA recover long-pending dues. By offering flexible terms, the authority aims to strike a balance between revenue recovery and stakeholder relief.
