Dozens of legal complaints (istighasa) filed by the Town Planning Directorate of the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL) against unauthorized constructions across nine administrative zones of the city remain unacted upon, allegedly due to systematic delays and collusion by local police stations. The situation has emboldened the building mafia, allowing them to continue flouting construction laws with impunity.
According to internal sources, more than 12 formal complaints submitted by MCL’s Planning Department in the jurisdiction of Wagha Zone-particularly in police stations of Batapur, Harbanspura, Manawan, and Baghbanpura-have been delayed without action. These istighasa documents were submitted after notices were issued against violators who continued illegal construction despite municipal warnings.
Insiders claim that Station House Officers (SHOs) and muharrars (record officers) at these police stations deliberately avoid responding to MCL officials. Phone calls go unanswered, and legal follow-ups are intentionally delayed. In the interim, the accused parties proceed to complete structural work-often pouring concrete slabs (lanter) and moving furniture and equipment inside the buildings. This further complicates or obstructs any subsequent demolition or sealing operations by MCL enforcement teams.
Violations of Multiple Statutes Ignored:
n Punjab Local Government Act 2019
n Building Regulations 2020
n Lahore Master Plan
n Mandatory Open Space Rules
In addition, the alleged inaction by police is a violation of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), Section 154, which mandates the immediate registration of an FIR upon receiving a report of a cognizable offence. The conduct also undermines the Punjab Police Rules, 1934, further raising concerns about the law enforcement’s neutrality in these civic matters.
Town Planning officials claim that despite routinely notifying senior MCL leadership, administrative follow-up has been minimal. “We keep sending case files for police action, but the enforcement support from SHO-level officers is either lacking or delayed due to external pressure,” one official stated on the condition of anonymity.
Furthermore, there is growing concern over the silence of DSPs, SPs, and circle officers in whose jurisdictions these violations are occurring. The lack of intervention from senior police officials has led to speculation regarding internal compromise.
Calls for Accountability and Judicial Oversight
Civic rights advocates, legal analysts, and MCL officials have urged DG Anti-Corruption Punjab, DG NAB Lahore, and even Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court to take suo motu notice of the matter. They demand accountability for police officers allegedly enabling building law violators through inaction or collusion.
Senior officials from the Town Planning Directorate have made an urgent appeal to the DIG Operations Lahore, CCPO Lahore, and Commissioner Lahore, urging them to intervene and take disciplinary action against police personnel who are obstructing lawful municipal enforcement and defying urban development policies and court orders.
The growing nexus between rogue builders and segments within the police system poses a grave challenge to Lahore’s urban planning regime. Without immediate corrective action, sources warn that illegal constructions will continue to mushroom, eroding public trust in municipal governance and the rule of law.