Punjab Province

Rawalpindi | ReNews Pakistan
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has declared Signature City Housing Scheme, formerly known as Century Town, an unapproved project and referred its case concerning online and social media advertising to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Rawalpindi.

According to an RDA spokesperson, Signature City Housing Scheme, located in Mouza Gurha Bherta and Begga Sheikha, was being promoted through social media, WhatsApp, YouTube and other digital platforms without obtaining the required approval from the competent authority.

The RDA has initiated legal proceedings against the scheme and issued a notice under the applicable law. The authority has also referred the matter of its online advertisements to the NCCIA Rawalpindi for further action.

The RDA cited Rule 46(1) of the Punjab Development Authorities Private Housing Scheme Rules 2021, under which sponsors of private housing schemes are not permitted to advertise or offer plots or housing units for sale through any medium without prior approval from the competent authority.

The authority also stated that the owners or developers of the project had allegedly made incorrect claims regarding obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RDA.

The action against Signature City follows previous enforcement activity concerning the project under its former name, Century Town. In February 2023, the RDA had stated that it submitted an application for registration of an FIR against Century Town Housing Scheme.

The RDA has advised citizens to verify the legal status of private housing schemes through the authority’s official website before making any investment. Citizens have also been advised not to rely on advertisements or claims made by developers without independent verification.

The authority has also communicated with other relevant agencies regarding the advertising of illegal housing schemes, including the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Rawalpindi, IESCO, SNGPL, PTCL, the District Collector and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan
On the directives of LDA Director General Tahir Farooq, the Lahore Development Authority’s (LDA) Town Planning Wing has intensified its crackdown on illegal commercial buildings and properties with outstanding commercial fees.

LDA teams conducted operations across various areas of the city and LDA-controlled zones, demolishing multiple illegal structures and sealing a total of 20 properties in Gulberg and Mustafa Town.

According to LDA officials, the operations were carried out in Ferozepur Road, Gulberg and Mustafa Town. Several illegal structures were demolished along Ferozepur Road, while 20 properties—10 in Gulberg and 10 in Mustafa Town—were sealed as part of a recovery operation targeting outstanding commercial fees.

The sealed properties include private schools, beauty salons, food outlets, auto workshops, clinics, laboratories, shops, showrooms and offices, among other commercial establishments.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Chief Town Planner-I Asad-uz-Zaman and Chief Town Planner-II Azhar Ali. LDA officials said action against illegal commercial buildings and properties defaulting on commercial fees would continue without discrimination.

The LDA administration said enforcement against properties violating commercial regulations and approved building plans would continue as part of efforts to bring commercial activities across the city within the regulatory framework.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
DHA Lahore has announced the opening of possession for plots in four sectors of Phase 9 Prism, namely Sectors B, C, N and P, marking an important step towards residential construction and development activity in these areas.

A possession opening ceremony was held for Sectors C, N and P of DHA Phase 9 Prism, where possession for the three blocks was formally announced.

Possession for Sector B has been deferred for the time being, while it is expected to be opened next month. Following this, possession is expected to be opened across all blocks of Phase 9 Prism.

Several important announcements regarding the future development of Phase 9 Prism were also made during the ceremony. These include the launch of a major food chain soon, progress on an agreement for a golf course, commencement of work on a theme park, further strengthening of the security system, and the start of development work on a central mosque and several parks this year. The launch of several high rise buildings and commercial projects is also expected next year.

Chaudhry Touqeer Asif, Director Information of the DHA Estate Agents Association, said on the occasion that completion of these projects is expected to further accelerate development, construction and commercial activities in Phase 9 Prism, which could also have a positive impact on the area’s real estate market in the future.

He said the development would bring these parts of DHA Phase 9 Prism closer to becoming active residential areas. However, opening of possession does not automatically mean that construction can immediately begin on every plot, as individual owners will still be required to fulfil all possession related requirements.

He said eligible plot owners would be able to complete the necessary documentation and proceed with obtaining physical possession of their properties. However, construction would remain subject to DHA Lahore’s established rules and regulations.

These requirements include clearance of the member’s account, payment of possession charges and other applicable dues, demarcation of the plot, approval of building plans and compliance with building control regulations.

DHA Lahore has so far not issued a detailed list of all plot numbers covered by possession in the four sectors or a comprehensive possession schedule. Individual eligibility for possession may depend on factors including the specific location of the plot, infrastructure readiness in the relevant area and the status of the member’s account.