Punjab Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Housing Societies; Developer Arrested in Lahore

LAHORE: The Punjab government has escalated its crackdown on illegal housing societies following recent flooding in the province. In a significant development, the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) arrested the owner of a private housing scheme in Lahore. The scheme, spanning 11,000 kanals near Thokar, was allegedly developed without proper authorization and has been linked to large-scale financial irregularities.

Director General of ACE, Sohail Zafar Chattha, confirmed that the arrested developer had transferred approximately Rs 8 billion to Dubai. Investigations suggest that certain officials from the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) may have facilitated the illegal project. The ACE has issued notices to both the LDA and the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), directing them to provide records of housing schemes, particularly those located along the Ravi River.

The crackdown aims to hold accountable all parties involved in fraudulent housing ventures and to recover misappropriated funds for the benefit of defrauded citizens. The provincial government has vowed to take strict action against corrupt officials and developers who exploit the public for personal gain.

Background

Illegal housing societies have long been a concern in Punjab, with several developers accused of constructing large-scale projects without proper approvals. Recent floods exposed the vulnerability of such settlements and prompted authorities to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts.

Analysts say the crackdown could serve as a warning to other developers and officials involved in similar schemes, signaling the government’s commitment to enforcing regulations and safeguarding public interests.