LAHORE: Authorities in Punjab have intensified action against unauthorised housing developments, demolishing 12 illegal housing societies and associated concrete structures in Pakpattan district.
The enforcement operation continued for approximately two weeks and was conducted jointly by the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA), local police and revenue officials.
The affected housing schemes fall within the jurisdiction of the District Council Pakpattan. Officials said the schemes had previously been declared illegal through separate notifications and reminders after failing to meet mandatory regulatory requirements.
A key issue identified by the authorities was the absence of approved layout plans from the relevant Zila Council. Approval of a housing scheme’s layout is an important regulatory requirement, particularly before plots are marketed or sold to the public.
Alongside the demolitions, legal proceedings have been initiated against the owners of four housing schemes. Police registered cases under provisions of the Local Government Ordinances 2022 and 2025. The owners had reportedly obtained pre-arrest bail, while the legal proceedings remain ongoing.
The operation was carried out on the directives of Deputy Commissioner and District Council Administrator Asif Raza, reflecting continued district-level enforcement against housing schemes operating without the required approvals.
The action also serves as a warning for prospective property buyers. An active sales office or ongoing development does not by itself establish that a housing scheme is legally approved. Buyers should independently verify the scheme’s layout plan approval, relevant NOC or regulatory status, land ownership and development permissions with the concerned authorities before making any payment.
With enforcement operations continuing across Punjab, the Pakpattan demolitions highlight the financial and legal risks buyers may face when investing in housing schemes that have not secured the necessary approvals.
