Daily Times

In a concerning development, 33 illegally constructed properties across Data Gunj Bakhsh Zone, including areas such as Abubakar Road, Islampura, Abdali Road, Sanda Road, and Chowk Chauburji, have resulted in a significant loss of government revenue. Former Metropolitan Officer (Planning), Lahore, Nayyer Nida Zafar, had previously identified these properties as violations of building by-laws and land-use regulations.

According to sources, Zafar had issued two directives, one dated August 2, 2023 (Letter No. 421) and another on July 22, 2023 (Letter No. 402), to the Zonal Officer, Building Inspectors, and Enforcement Inspectors, instructing them to submit a report on these illegal constructions within two days. Despite her efforts, no substantial legal action, recovery, or accountability was pursued. Her correspondence, which highlighted these blatant violations, was seemingly ignored.

Following her departure, construction on these properties continued unabated, allegedly facilitated by influential figures within the local administration. Zonal Officer of Data Gunj Bakhsh Town, Mehwish Naeem, along with other building and enforcement inspectors, reportedly turned a blind eye, allowing the illegal constructions to flourish. This negligence not only deprived the government of crores in revenue but also severely undermined the city’s Master Plan.

Insiders reveal that these investigations and memos were deliberately sidelined, providing land mafias with a safe corridor to complete their constructions. It is also alleged that crucial documentation, including survey reports and inquiry records compiled by Nayyer Nida Zafar, have mysteriously disappeared from official records, raising questions about internal collusion.

Citizens are now urging the Secretary of Local Government, Punjab, Mian Shakeel, to take immediate action. They demand a thorough inquiry to identify and penalize all officials and employees involved under the PEEDA Act. Such decisive action is essential to uphold the integrity of the government’s development plans and restore public confidence in the regulatory system.