The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has rolled out a digital enforcement system to crack down on illegal construction, unauthorized commercial use of properties, and non-payment of dues.
According to details, Under the new standard operating procedures (SOPs), all notices, sealing, and demolition actions will now be processed through a digital file-management system.
Notices will carry QR codes, and geo-tagged photographs along with related records will be uploaded and tracked online. Properties targeted for enforcement fall into three categories: illegal construction, unauthorized change of use, and unpaid dues.
De-sealing will only occur after fines are paid, the property is restored to its legal status, or the competent authority grants approval.
The SOPs also define the powers of assistant directors, deputy directors, and directors within the Town Planning Wing, requiring all zones to notify the chief town planner before any sealing or demolition operation.
A new committee, headed by the chief town planner and including the chief IT officer and directors of revenue, law, and town planning, will review cases of illegal commercialization.
LDA Director General Tahir Farooq said the committee will examine each property’s planning, legal, and revenue status, including building plans, complaints, court orders, prior approvals, outstanding dues, and digital records before issuing decisions.
All rulings and supporting documents will be uploaded to the system, with any changes tracked through an audit trail.
Property owners will have 15 days to resolve unauthorized commercial use and five days for illegal construction before enforcement proceeds. The LDA warned that officials who neglect or fail to comply with the new procedures will face departmental action.
