The much-publicized operation against illegal constructions in the Data Ganj Bakhsh Zone has come under scrutiny after allegations emerged that the directions of Lahore Deputy Commissioner and Administrator of the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL), Captain Ali Ijaz, were not implemented in their true spirit. According to information gathered by this correspondent, the operation remained confined to the sealing of only a few commercial premises, despite an earlier list of around fifty allegedly illegal properties prepared for enforcement action. Sources claimed that the proposed large-scale operation failed to materialize, while the list of targeted properties was effectively ignored.
This is reportedly the third occasion on which the operation has been described by critics as merely symbolic. They allege that after sealing a handful of shops, photographs of the activity were circulated on official WhatsApp groups, creating the impression of a comprehensive enforcement drive while the majority of the identified illegal constructions remained untouched.
When approached for comments, MCL’s Municipal Officer (Planning), Dr. Rai Imtiaz, advised this correspondent to contact Building Inspector Muhammad Bilal and Building Inspector Suleman Shehbaz, stating that they would provide complete details regarding the day’s operation and facilitate media coverage.
However, according to the inspectors’ version, operational details are not disclosed during enforcement activities, even to certain administrative officers. They maintained that such information could therefore not be shared with the media in advance.
Meanwhile, an internal disagreement has reportedly surfaced within the Planning Wing. According to sources, several Building Inspectors have insisted that Municipal Officer (Planning) Dr. Rai Imtiaz should personally supervise demolition operations in the field. They are said to have maintained that no further demolition activities would be carried out unless the Municipal Officer remains physically present during enforcement operations.