Black buildings

Property rights in Pakistan are governed by a myriad of laws and regulations. However, their enforcement remains weak. This weakness is due to bureaucratic red tape, corruption, and a lack of transparency in land administration. Due to these issues, people are finding illegal means to get their land. This situation may be complicated by the absence of comprehensive digital records. There is also an alarming rise in the number of unauthorized buildings in our cities, mainly due to the corruption within the municipal authorities.

Most buyers are unaware if the properties they have purchased are legal or not. The authorities must streamline the building permit process to make it efficient and transparent. Action must also be taken against the illegal construction. Investment in public awareness campaigns will be helpful to educate citizens about the dangers and legal ramifications of unauthorized structures.

Muhammad Daood Saeed

Islamabad