Despite strict directives from Punjab’s Secretary of Local Government, Mian Shakeel, and the firm stance of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, illegal constructions remain unchecked in the provincial capital. In a shocking development, 15 unlawful constructions in Lahore’s Wagah Zone have come to light, highlighting alleged collusion between government officials and property owners.
Sources reveal that the Wagah Zone’s planning officer, Aram Altaf, along with other officials, facilitated these constructions without charging commercialization fees or securing proper approvals, depriving the government treasury of an estimated PKR 65 million.
The illegal constructions, located along key areas such as Main GT Road, include multi-story commercial plazas and buildings that blatantly violate building codes. Notable examples include:
1. Three-story plaza near Kashmir Orchard Market – PKR 2 million revenue loss.
2. Two-story plaza near Manawan Police Training Center – PKR 1 million revenue lost.
3. Three-story plaza near Chughtai Lab, British International School – PKR 2.5 million revenue lost.
4. Three-story plaza near Bagh Wali Pul – PKR 11 million revenue lost.
5. Three-story plaza at Unique School, Manawan Stop – PKR 5.5 million revenue lost.
6. Four-story plaza near Bismillah Housing Society – PKR 3 million revenue lost.
7. Three-story market near PTCL Exchange, Chitti Pul – PKR 20 million revenue lost.
8. Three-story plaza near Bata Factory – PKR 3 million revenue lost.
9. Single-story market near Three Star Academy – PKR 1.1 million revenue lost.
The construction violations include lack of structural certifications, absence of NOCs, and disregard for safety standards, posing significant risks to public safety. These buildings reportedly feature non-compoundable violations, further exacerbating the issue.
Insiders claim that bribes facilitated these illegal constructions, even as departmental inquiries into Zonal Officer Aram Altaf and other implicated officials are ongoing. Despite the investigations, construction work remains uninterrupted.
Citizens demand urgent action, including the demolition of these unsafe structures, to prevent potential loss of life and further financial damage to the public exchequer.