A Senate subcommittee has expressed grave concerns over 27 purportedly illegal housing societies that operate on land held by the Jammu and Kashmir State in Lahore. The societies are allegedly marketing and selling residential plots to unwary purchasers.
Nasir Mahmood Butt, the convener of the Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Frontier Regions, led an inspection visit on Thursday during which the issue was discussed. The group was also accompanied by Senators Nadeem Bhutto and Naseema Ehsan.
Senate Delegation Inspects State-Owned Properties
The committee visited Jammu and Kashmir State properties at Sultanpura, Rehmanpura, and Naulakha Bazaar to assess their state, administrative administration, and security measures.
A number of people have already built homes on the contested land, according to an official statement, and some buyers are allegedly still ignorant that the plots are located on Jammu and Kashmir State property.
The committee voiced worry that these purchases would expose buyers to financial losses, ownership issues, and possibly fraudulent activities.
Committee Calls for Investigation Into Housing Societies
A thorough investigation of the 27 housing societies’ legal standing, including land ownership records, plot transactions, and pertinent government documentation, has been demanded by the panel.
Establishing the conditions underlying the construction and sale of plots on state-owned assets and identifying any unlawful acts are the goals of the planned examination.
During the inspection, officials also gave the delegation a briefing on land records, administrative arrangements, rental income, illegal construction, and unauthorized occupation.
Encroachments and Unauthorized Construction Under Review
The delegation also looked at construction projects and alleged encroachments on Jammu and Kashmir State land.
The committee stressed that in order to stop more encroachment, illicit development, and exploitation, these properties which are significant state assets need more stringent administrative monitoring.
It also emphasized how crucial it is to manage property in a transparent manner and to effectively safeguard land controlled by the government.
Property Buyers Face Potential Ownership Risks
People who may have bought plots without checking their legal status are concerned about the apparent existence of housing societies on contested state-owned land.
Buyers may face protracted legal battles and financial difficulties in real estate deals involving land with ambiguous ownership or unapproved construction.
The necessity for appropriate land verification and regulatory control has received fresh attention as a result of the Senate subcommittee’s examination. Determining the legal status of the homes and safeguarding impacted buyers would require additional review of ownership paperwork, transaction records, and society permissions.
There have not yet been any conclusive reports on the 27 housing societies’ legality.
