Despite registering First Information Reports (FIRs) and conducting operations, illegal housing societies across the country remain operational, exploiting small investors and citizens through deceptive tactics.
These schemes lure victims with promises of lucrative investments, only to impose additional costs, such as price revisions and development charges, leaving authorities largely ineffective in curbing the menace.
Rawalpindi district exemplifies the unchecked proliferation of these unauthorised projects.
Official data reveals that over 149 illegal housing societies are actively operating in the area, selling plots and residences without proper approval.
A surge in the real estate sector over the past decade has fueled the rise of such schemes, drawing billions of rupees in investments from unsuspecting citizens.
These societies heavily rely on social media and property websites to advertise their projects, often presenting misleading information.
Many even establish offices in other cities and abroad to expand their reach.
Complaints from affected investors highlight a lack of concrete action by regulatory authorities.
"It's baffling how these societies continue to function despite repeated complaints," said Ashfaq Ahmed, a complainant.
Another resident, Tariq, alleged collusion between officials and developers, claiming authorities limit their actions to issuing notices, giving illegal schemes time to profit further.
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has defended its measures against such schemes.
RDA Director General (DG) Kinza Murtaza stated that the RDA has issued 149 notices to unapproved housing societies and warned the public against investing in them.
"We have intensified actions to safeguard citizens from financial exploitation," she said, urging potential investors to verify the legality of housing schemes with the RDA.
The RDA has categorised housing societies into three groups including illegal, fake, and non-existent.
Murtaza noted that only 69 societies in the district have obtained proper approval.
Recent enforcement actions include demolishing infrastructure and sealing offices of unauthorized schemes, such as Top View City, Kohsar Extension, and others.
While the RDA claims to have launched an awareness campaign, many developers escape accountability by fleeing abroad, leaving behind financial devastation.
Experts believe stronger intervention from authorities like the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is essential to address the crisis.
Without robust oversight and accountability, illegal housing schemes continue to erode trust in the real estate sector, leaving countless investors at a loss. (with additional input from APP)
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