Punjab may legalize illegal housing schemes

The Punjab government is working on a proposal to regularise illegal and unapproved housing schemes and land subdivisions in Lahore and other cities of the province keeping in view the construction of a large number of houses, infrastructure and for the provision of various civic services for the residents.

According to officials, the move is designed to address unplanned urban growth and provide residents with essential civic facilities such as roads, parks, mosques, and greenbelts. Authorities believe that regulating these schemes will help manage rapid population expansion and improve living standards for citizens.

LDA Chief Metropolitan Planner Faisal Qureshi explained that the proposal includes heavy fines for developers who violate rules. Many violations that were previously considered non-compoundable will now be made compoundable, allowing authorities to impose penalties and compel developers to take corrective measures. These steps are expected to bring housing projects in line with planning regulations.

Data shows that by June this year, Punjab had 7905 housing schemes covering nearly two million kanals. Out of these, 2687 schemes were approved, while 5118 remained illegal or pending approval. Since many houses have already been built in these unapproved schemes, enforcing regulations has become increasingly complicated.

Officials argue that if the proposal is implemented, it will not only help regulate ongoing violations but also discourage the development of future illegal housing projects. They stress that this move will protect homebuyers, ensure the provision of civic services, and restore order to Punjab’s rapidly expanding urban landscape.