By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Authorities move to verify approvals at provincial headquarters as action looms against projects operating without valid clearance.
Preparations are under way for action against illegal housing societies across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with provincial authorities ordering a comprehensive verification of records to identify projects operating without valid approvals or on the basis of forged documents.
Following government directives, all housing societies in the province have been asked to submit their records so that those lacking proper no objection certificates can be identified. Officials say the verification of approvals and related documents will now be carried out at the provincial headquarters rather than through local tehsil municipal administrations, a step intended to improve transparency and oversight.
The director general of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Land Use and Building Control Authority, Khizar Hayat Khan, said housing societies had earlier been instructed to obtain mandatory approvals with complete documentation to prevent the illegal collection of money from the public and the unauthorised sale of residential plots. He said many societies failed to comply within the given timeframe, leaving the authorities with no option but to initiate strict action.
Khan said societies found operating without valid approvals would be declared illegal, with notices sent to local police to begin legal proceedings. These could include the sealing of offices and the registration of cases against owners of non-compliant projects. He added that monitoring at field level was being strengthened and that any negligence by officials would result in disciplinary action to maintain discipline and transparency in the housing sector.
Officials said both federal and provincial governments were placing increased emphasis on curbing illegal housing schemes. Members of the public have been advised to verify approvals and legal documents before investing in any housing project to avoid financial losses.
