LAHORE: The Punjab government is preparing a new regulatory framework for housing schemes across the province, with proposed measures aimed at digitizing approval procedures, improving access to land records and increasing oversight of private housing developments.
Under the proposed system, housing schemes would be required to provide access to digital revenue records, while the approval and No-Objection Certificate (NOC) process for private housing projects would also be moved toward digital platforms.
Greater Oversight of Housing Schemes
The planned framework would extend beyond project approvals. Authorities are also expected to strengthen monitoring of property dealers and housing scheme advertisements to improve transparency and reduce misleading or unauthorized marketing practices.
Another proposed measure involves third-party verification of development costs. The system could provide an independent mechanism for reviewing the expenses claimed in housing projects and help authorities assess whether reported development costs are properly supported.
Procedure for Illegal Housing Schemes
The Punjab government also plans to establish a formal mechanism for dealing with illegal housing schemes. The proposed procedure would provide a framework for determining whether such schemes can be regularised, subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Officials have indicated that violations of the proposed regulations could result in strict action against responsible parties once the new legal framework is implemented.
Digital Regulation Could Improve Transparency
Moving housing approvals, land records and related regulatory processes online could make it easier for authorities to track applications and documentation while reducing reliance on manual procedures.
For property buyers, stronger oversight of housing scheme advertisements, dealer registration, land records and NOC approvals could also make it easier to verify a project’s regulatory position before making an investment.
The proposed measures are still part of the government’s regulatory planning, and details regarding the final legislation, implementation timeline and specific penalties have not yet been disclosed.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Central Business District Authority has denied the existence of any illegal housing scheme under its authority.
