Notices issued to 12 illegal housing societies

The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has issued notices to 12 illegal housing schemes in the Rawalpindi region.

The civic agency has also advised the citizens to double-check the status of the housing societies from the official website of RDA before investing in them.

Owing to the non-implementation of the law, illegal housing societies and businesses have seen mushroom growth in the Rawalpindi division over the years.

Around 264 housing societies are operating illegally in the jurisdiction of the RDA. Though the regulator has identified the illegal housing schemes, it has failed to initiate legal action against the illegal business.

According to a spokesman, the RDA has started to take legal action against advertisements and the marketing of illegal housing schemes in the city.

In this regard, the authority had issued notices to 12 housing schemes named New Metro City Gujar Khan, Tariq Sharif Smart City Gujar Khan, Prizam Town Gujar Khan, Capital Valley at Mouza Thalian, Life Residencia at Mouza Mori Khatran Fateh Jang Road, Seven Enclave at Mouza Pind Ranjha road, Mannan City at Mouza Chahan Chakri Road, Lake View City at Mouza Chahan Chakri road, Faha Fatima at Mouza Khingar Chakri road, Park Zameen Town at Mouza Misriot Chakri road, Hawks Melbourne City at Mouza Bagga Sheikhan Chak Beli Khan road and Kashmir Valley at Mouza Jollay Chakwal road.

He said that the citizens were advised not to invest in illegal and unauthorized projects which were not approved by the departments concerned.

Sources said that these housing societies have popped up under the very nose of the RDA, which has failed to implement the law which calls for three years’ imprisonment and a Rs0.5 million fine against unauthorised and illegal housing schemes.

Interestingly, the RDA resorts to issuing notices and registration of FIRs only after illegal housing societies start operation with full electricity and gas connections. These housing societies have got all utility facilities including gas and electricity, which they get after greasing the palms of officials in these service providers.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 25^th, 2022.