Lahore: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has initiated work on developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system to replace its existing manual and online procedures for map submission and approval. The move aims to address public complaints about repeated objections and delays from the authority’s architect and town planning directorates.
LDA Director General Tahir Farooq told Dawn that the authority’s IT directorate has been tasked with preparing the AI software prototype. “It is the need of the hour to shift to an AI-based system for sanctioning residential and commercial maps submitted by applicants. The new system will ensure transparency and efficiency in approvals,” he said.
According to officials, the software will be programmed to analyze documents, maps, and layout details, including setbacks, mandatory spaces, land use, and building bylaws. If the submitted documents meet all regulatory requirements, the AI system will automatically grant approval, leaving officials only to verify and issue the stamped copies.
“The AI software will eliminate irregularities and corruption allegedly committed during the manual process,” Mr Farooq stated, adding that the system will also raise objections automatically if it detects missing or incorrect information.
Currently, the LDA operates an online map approval system that allows its officers to review, approve, or reject applications. However, human intervention continues to cause delays and inconsistencies. “The existing online system is good, but it still allows officials to raise unnecessary objections,” a senior LDA town planning official said, requesting anonymity.
He shared that the Town Planning (TP) wing approved 6,063 maps in the last fiscal year, including 5,556 residential and 507 commercial maps. Through this system, the LDA also digitised data for 64 permanent commercial roads and identified a large number of illegal commercial properties, imposing fines worth PKR 6 billion.
Officials said the new AI-based system will further streamline approvals, enhance monitoring, and ensure transparency by reducing human discretion in the map processing workflow.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
