The Punjab government has taken a significant step towards achieving its revenue target of Rs500 billion in the next fiscal year by seeking details of vacant, unused, and underutilised residential and commercial properties owned by the state from 12 institutions. These institutions include nine development authorities and other key entities.
Institutions Directed to Provide Property Details
According to a letter issued by the Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Department (HUD&PHE), the director generals of the Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sargodha, Multan, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Koh-e-Suleman development authorities have been directed to submit comprehensive details of such properties. Additionally, the chief executive officer of Ravi Urban Development Authority, the director general of Punjab Housing and Planning Agency, and the chief executive officer of Punjab Central Business District Development Authority have also been instructed to provide the required information.
Utilisation of State Properties for Revenue Generation
The letter emphasises that these properties may be utilised to help achieve the Rs500 billion target for the upcoming fiscal year. The authorities have been asked to compile records of all residential and commercial properties that are vacant, unused, or underutilised. Furthermore, they must identify roads, corridors, and areas with commercialisation potential and provide recommendations in this regard.
Comprehensive Assessment and Action Plans
The letter further directs the agencies to conduct assessments to determine land and property values, evaluate commercialisation potential, and identify opportunities for revenue generation. They are also required to submit detailed action plans along with implementation timelines for achieving their respective revenue targets. Details of government-owned properties that have been sold, leased, auctioned, licensed, or put to any other use have also been sought.
This initiative is part of the Punjab government's broader strategy to enhance revenue collection and optimise the use of state assets. By identifying and leveraging underutilised properties, the government aims to generate additional income that can be used for public welfare and development projects.
