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LAHORE, May 31 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, chairing a comprehensive meeting here on Saturday, reviewed the proposals for regularizing illegal housing societies in the province.
During the meeting, the CM emphasized the need for swift, lawful regularization to provide relief to the public and ensure transparency in property dealings. “The housing schemes that have already been developed should be regularized at the earliest in accordance with the law, so that the public may be protected from further hardship,” the CM said.
She candidly acknowledged the role of government departments in the unchecked spread of illegal housing societies, stating, “These schemes were established in collusion with officials of relevant departments, but ultimately, it is only the common citizens who suffer. Why were regulatory bodies silent while these illegal societies were being built? Money was taken from poor people, yet they were denied possession of plots.”
CM Maryam Nawaz directed the abolition of unnecessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the registration of housing societies. She also approved the formation of a high-level committee to oversee the regularization process and ordered the digitization of the housing sector for the first time in Punjab. “A comprehensive housing society management system must be introduced,” she said, adding, “Approval, administration, and property transfers will be made fully online. NOC fees will also be paid digitally upon uploading the required documents.”
The CM also discussed plans to ensure foolproof development and management of housing societies through this digital system. She stressed that under defined rules and regulations, a one-time amnesty could be considered for qualifying housing schemes.
During the briefing, officials informed the Chief Minister that Punjab has a total of 7,905 housing societies spread over approximately 2 million kanals. Of these, 2,687 are approved, while 5,118 are either illegal or currently under review. Regarding LDA-regulated schemes, out of 707, 427 are approved, 206 are illegal, and 74 are under the approval process.