Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, chairing a comprehensive meeting here on Saturday, reviewed the proposals for regularizing illegal housing societies in the province.
During the meeting, the CM emphasized the need for swift, lawful regularization to provide relief to the public and ensure transparency in property dealings. “The housing schemes that have already been developed should be regularized at the earliest in accordance with the law, so that the public may be protected from further hardship,” the CM said. She candidly acknowledged the role of government departments in the unchecked spread of illegal housing societies, stating, “These schemes were established in collusion with officials of relevant departments, but ultimately, it is only the common citizens who suffer. Why were regulatory bodies silent while these illegal societies were being built? Money was taken from poor people, yet they were denied possession of plots.”
CM Maryam Nawaz directed the abolition of unnecessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the registration of housing societies.
She also approved the formation of a high-level committee to oversee the regularization process and ordered the digitization of the housing sector for the first time in Punjab. “A comprehensive housing society management system must be introduced,” she said, adding, “Approval, administration, and property transfers will be made fully online. NOC fees will also be paid digitally upon uploading the required documents.”
The CM also discussed plans to ensure foolproof development and management of housing societies through this digital system. She stressed that under defined rules and regulations, a one-time amnesty could be considered for qualifying housing schemes.
During the briefing, officials informed the Chief Minister that Punjab has a total of 7,905 housing societies spread over approximately 2 million kanals. Of these, 2,687 are approved, while 5,118 are either illegal or currently under review. Regarding LDA-regulated schemes, out of 707, 427 are approved, 206 are illegal, and 74 are under the approval process.
“Smoking is an epidemic, protect your lives, homes and loved ones from tobacco poison,” said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif in her message on World No-Tobacco Day. She added, “Every puff of tobacco is a step towards a new disease, and every cigarette envelops the future of our generations in smoke.” She highlighted, “Smoking is not just a habit, but an attack on health, economy and society.”
Madam Chief Minister said, “Punjab government is taking legal steps to make schools, hospitals and other public places tobacco-free.” She added, “Scope of awareness campaigns has been expanded to protect youth from smoking.” She underscored, “Awareness about smoking is not only government’s responsibility, but a common responsibility of all of us.” She appealed to the parents, teachers, scholars and civil society members to support government in its campaign against smoking.
“Hard work of Arshad Nadeem and Yasir Sultan, and prayers of the entire nation have led to the victory of Pakistan,” said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif while congratulating Javelin Throw champions of the Asian Athletics Championship, national heroes Arshad Nadeem and Yasir Sultan. She expressed her best wishes for their continued success, and highlighted, “Alhamdulillah!, There is a wind of happiness and good news for Pakistan from every field.”
Madam Chief Minister said, “With Arshad Nadeem’s spear, the prayers and hopes of the nation were raised. With the gold medal, hearts of the nation and history were also won.” She added, “Heroes like Arshad Nadeem and Yasir Sultan are beacons of light for our youth.” She noted, “They told the world that if state supports, Pakistani youth can scale any peak.” She underscored “”Punjab government is providing every possible facility to the youth so that they raise Pakistan’s flag in the world.”