Maryam orders crackdown on illegal housing societies

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the ‘Punjab Special Planning Authority’ (PSPA) to eradicate illegal housing societies.

Presiding over a special meeting on housing societies on Wednesday, she reviewed proposals for uniform colour and design for commercial and residential areas. The meeting also discussed recommendations to make housing societies eco-friendly, walkable and aligned with modern requirements. The chief minister instructed officials to ensure the immediate disposal of pending applications in the housing sector. She also sought a detailed daily progress report on the Lahore Development Plan.

The meeting decided, in principle, to establish the PSPA to curb illegal housing societies. It was agreed that commercial, residential and agricultural lands would be zoned, and the PSPA would oversee district land use planning and zoning, which would be reviewed every four years.

The chief minister made a surprise visit to the Rawalpindi Ring Road project and directed an expansion of its scope. She assigned a deadline for the project’s completion by December and took an aerial survey of the site. She also visited the Khasala Khurd Rawalpindi Ring Road Camp Office. “The completion of the 38-km-long Rawalpindi Ring Road project will resolve longstanding traffic congestion issues. It will boost economic and business activities and provide ease of travel to millions of citizens. The necessary funds for its completion will be ensured,” she said. Maryam Nawaz also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Saudi Prince Muhammad Bin Fahad Bin Abdulaziz As-Saud. She extended heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family. “May Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant fortitude to the heirs to bear this irreparable loss with patience and strength,” she prayed.