Old grant lease conversion: Cantt boards extend policy till 2016 end

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi and Chaklala cantonment boards have extended the old grant lease properties conversion policy of 2007 to December 31, 2016, directing owners to attain fresh regularised leases for residential and commercial properties. Officials say the boards will start issuing notices to owners soon; those without new leases will forfeit in favour of the government. Old grant lease properties are buildings which have existed from before independence, and used as residences, shops, hospitals, schools etc. Owners of these often dilapidated properties have no right to rebuild, alter or sell.  After attaining permission from the boards, owners may repair these buildings without altering their structures. Owners are protesting the policy as it charges a heavy ‘lease conversion fee’. The boards have said those without regularised leases will pay an addition surcharge of five per cent yearly.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2015.