KP decides to seal illegal societies

The KP government has initiated a crackdown on illegal housing societies, targeting those operating without a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Key Details:

• Meeting: Chaired by Finance Secretary Muzammil Hussain.
• Decisions Made:
  • Ban on Illegal Societies: Immediate sealing of housing societies operating without an NOC.
  • Fines Imposed: Financial penalties will be levied on such societies.
• Rationale:
  • Threats to Agricultural Land: Illegal housing developments are encroaching on valuable agricultural land, posing risks to food security.
  • Environmental Issues: These societies are contributing to environmental degradation.

Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) Action:

• Public Advisory: Citizens are warned against investing in illegal housing societies.
• Ongoing Operation: Enhanced efforts to shut down non-compliant housing schemes.
• Recent Operations: Targeted four illegal societies — Capital Valley, New Airport Town, Banni Mehbob, and Gulshan-e-Bahar — located in various Mouzas of Rawalpindi.
• Legal Actions by WAPDA:
  • Against Misuse of Name: Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has taken legal steps against societies unlawfully using its name.
  • Forums Engaged: Registrar Cooperative Housing Societies and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) involved.

Implications and Enforcement:

• Agricultural Preservation: Sealing illegal societies aims to protect agricultural lands from unauthorized development.
• Legal Compliance: Authorities emphasize strict adherence to legal requirements for housing developments.
• Investor Caution: Citizens are advised to verify the legal status of housing societies before making investments.

Action Points:

• Verification: Potential investors should check for the NOC status of housing projects with local authorities.
• Reporting: Report any suspected illegal housing activity to relevant authorities.

Recent Developments in Housing Regulation:

• RDA: Continuing operations against non-compliant schemes.
• WAPDA: Legal action to stop misuse of its name by unauthorized societies.

This decisive move by the KP government reflects its commitment to uphold legal standards and protect environmental and agricultural resources, reinforcing the importance of compliance and due diligence in real estate investments.