Punjab Province

Kasur: District Reporter Sadaf Arshad | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore Development Authority LDA has intensified enforcement operations against illegal housing schemes and unauthorised land subdivisions, particularly in Pattoki and Kot Radha Kishan. Investigations have revealed that several unlawful projects were operating in these areas, where residential plots were being sold without LDA approval, exposing citizens to serious risks of fraud. Among the identified projects are Sheraz Town, Khursheed Garden and Al Rehman City near Pattoki, as well as illegal subdivisions near Prem Nagar Railway Station and Madina Garden in Kot Radha Kishan. The LDA has reiterated that the subdivision, sale or advertisement of land without prior approval is illegal under the LDA Act 1975. Notices have been issued to the relevant operators, and legal proceedings are under way to protect citizens from fraudulent practices. Unapproved schemes typically lack basic facilities such as roads, sewerage systems and other essential infrastructure, which can lead to significant legal and practical difficulties for buyers. Teams from the Town Planning and Private Housing Schemes directorates conducted targeted operations in Pattoki and Kot Radha Kishan. These actions included the sealing of illegal offices, issuance of official notices and documentation of regulatory violations. Citizens have been strongly advised to invest only in LDA approved housing societies and verified land subdivisions. The LDA has urged prospective buyers and investors in Pattoki, Kot Radha Kishan and surrounding areas to verify approvals before purchasing any plot, avoid advertisements or offers related to unapproved schemes, and ensure the presence of all required legal documentation, including the no objection certificate. These measures aim to regulate urban development in rapidly growing districts and safeguard the public from illegal practices and financial fraud.

Multan | ReNews Pakistan In the municipal limits of Nizamabad, rapid increases in land prices have led some individuals to attempt illegal occupation of government-owned land. Reports indicate that certain parties tried to take possession of state land and mislead lower-income residents by linking the plots to official housing schemes, raising concerns among the local population. In the Arsa Pali area, Survey No. 249 had previously been designated as government property, with official boards installed. Despite this, complaints of unauthorized construction emerged. Tehsildar North intervened promptly, halting the ongoing activities and submitting a detailed report to senior authorities. Part of the disputed land is under court proceedings, while construction continues on other sections. Further action will follow in accordance with court and administrative directives. In another part of North Mandal, adjacent to forest land where construction is prohibited, some individuals allegedly occupied government land, sold it to others, and attempted to construct double-bedroom houses, causing disputes. Additionally, in Survey No. 1581, claims surfaced of unauthorized construction on government land, allegedly under the pretext of housing approvals, raising public concerns. A former local representative has also been linked to multiple land occupation allegations. Sources indicate that he was previously associated with a political party, was suspended, and later joined the ruling party. He is accused of continuing disputed activities while using the name of a senior political leader, though these claims have not been legally verified. A related case involving 13 individuals is pending at the 6th Town Police Station. Local residents have expressed concern that illegal occupation and misuse of government land, along with false promises of housing approvals, are damaging the credibility of legitimate initiatives such as the Indra Housing Scheme. Citizens are urging the newly appointed District Collector to conduct a comprehensive investigation, ensure protection of all government property, and take strict action against land grabbers. Community members emphasize that only transparent verification of land records, immediate removal of illegal constructions, and enforcement of legal action can restore public confidence and safeguard government property. Authorities have confirmed that the matter is under review through court and administrative procedures, with further steps to be taken in accordance with existing laws.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Punjab has introduced sweeping reforms to the province’s land record system, significantly reducing the authority of patwaris in property sale and transfer matters. The changes, officially notified by the Board of Revenue, Punjab, aim to improve transparency, curb corruption, and simplify land transactions across the province. Under the new system, patwaris will no longer handle documentation for land sales or transfers. Their role has been redefined to maintaining land records, assisting in revenue collection, and providing judicial records when needed. The responsibility for processing property sale and transfer documentation has shifted to designated Arazi Record Centers (ARCs) or authorised e-Facility Centers, which will oversee verification, Fard-e-Bay issuance, and registration of deeds. This centralisation is intended to remove outdated practices, such as reliance on witnesses or informal procedures, and ensure that all transactions are legally documented and verifiable. Mutations based solely on oral claims are not permitted, except in recognised inheritance cases. The reform was officially notified on 31 December 2025, with implementation taking effect in early January 2026. Buyers and sellers are now required to obtain the Fard-e-Bay from ARCs or e-Facility Centers before proceeding to authorised stamp vendors for deed registration. Once documents are verified, the tehsildar is mandated to approve registration on the same day, provided all requirements are met. This ensures faster, more transparent transactions and reduces opportunities for disputes or malpractice. These reforms mark a significant departure from traditional practices, where patwaris historically initiated mutations and processed property sale documents. By centralising functions at ARCs and e-Facility Centers and holding officials accountable for timely approvals, Punjab seeks to modernise its land administration, align property transactions with digital systems, and improve public trust in land dealings. Early responses indicate that the new system could reduce delays, confusion, and corruption in land transfers. However, its long-term effectiveness will depend on consistent application across all districts. The initiative reflects Punjab’s ongoing commitment to modernising property governance, providing a clearer, user-friendly framework for landowners, buyers, and real estate participants throughout the province.