Under the directives of Director General Taher Farooq, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has significantly escalated its enforcement campaign targeting illegal commercial properties throughout the city. In a sweeping series of operations, LDA teams have sealed a total of 155 properties, marking a robust effort to curb unauthorized commercial activities and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Comprehensive Operations Across Key Neighborhoods
According to the LDA’s Public Relations Directorate, enforcement teams from the Town Planning Wing executed coordinated actions in several prominent areas, including Shadman Colony, Gulshan Ravi, Gujjarpura, Audit and Accounts Scheme, Gulberg, Faisal Town, and Allama Iqbal Town. These operations were meticulously planned to address various violations, ranging from illegal commercial use to financial defaults.
Breakdown of Sealed Properties by Area
The crackdown resulted in the sealing of 35 properties in Gulshan Ravi, Shadman Colony, and Gujjarpura, primarily due to illegal commercial use. In the Audit and Accounts Scheme, a significant 90 properties were sealed for non-payment of commercialisation fees, highlighting a major focus on revenue recovery. Additionally, 20 properties in Gulberg and Faisal Town faced similar actions over fee defaults, while 10 properties in Allama Iqbal Town were sealed during a targeted recovery operation.
Diverse Range of Affected Establishments
The sealed properties encompass a wide array of commercial entities, reflecting the broad scope of the LDA’s enforcement efforts. Affected establishments include marriage halls, marquees, private banks, schools, colleges, academies, auto workshops, electric stores, restaurants, food outlets, grocery stores, bakeries, beauty salons, pharmacies, clinics, shops, and offices. This diversity underscores the authority’s commitment to regulating all forms of unauthorized commercial activity without discrimination.
Leadership and Supervision of the Crackdown
The operations were conducted under the direct supervision of Chief Town Planner-I Asaduz Zaman and Chief Town Planner-II Azhar Ali, ensuring that all actions adhered to legal and procedural standards. Their oversight was crucial in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the crackdown across multiple locations.
Official Statement and Future Plans
Director General Taher Farooq of the LDA emphasized that this crackdown is part of an ongoing, indiscriminate campaign against illegal commercial buildings and defaulters of commercialisation fees. He stated that such actions will continue without exception, reinforcing the authority’s dedication to upholding urban planning laws and promoting orderly development in Lahore. This proactive stance aims to deter future violations and foster a compliant commercial environment.
