Lahore: The Punjab Housing Department has imposed a ban on the approval of new private housing societies that violate district master plans, in a bid to curb unplanned urban development and safeguard green zones across the province. According to the department, the move aims to ensure that all future housing projects align with the respective district master plans. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had earlier directed the department to compile comprehensive data on approved and unapproved housing societies for review and regulation. In the latest directive, Secretary Housing Noorul Amin Mengal ordered that applications for housing schemes inconsistent with the master plans will no longer be accepted. He instructed the director generals of all development authorities, along with the PHATA DG and RUDA CEO, to strictly enforce the new policy.
Read: Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar: Punjab achieves housing loan target Mengal emphasized that it is the responsibility of these institutions to carry out due diligence before granting approvals. He noted that violations of master plans had led to the destruction of green areas, worsening smog and environmental pollution. He added that the provincial government is formulating a comprehensive strategy to regulate private housing societies and ensure adherence to urban planning standards. “The implementation of these laws will help protect the environment and improve public safety,” he said. Reaffirming the chief minister’s vision, the secretary stated that protecting the lives and properties of citizens remains a top priority for the Punjab government.
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