RDA Initiates Legal Action Against Faisal Town Housing Scheme in Rawalpindi
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has taken a firm stance against regulatory breaches by filing a First Information Report (FIR) against the owner and management of the Faisal Town Housing Scheme. This decisive move underscores the authority's commitment to enforcing development laws and protecting public interests in the region.
Details of the FIR and Arrests
Under the directives of RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza, the Metropolitan Planning and Traffic Engineering (MP&TE) directorate spearheaded the legal proceedings. The FIR was officially registered at the Airport police station, targeting key individuals involved in the scheme. Those named include Chaudhry Abdul Majeed, the owner of Faisal Town, along with Tahir Parvez, Fazal Dad, and Muhammad Parvez. In a related development, police have arrested Chaudhry Javed, the brother of the scheme's owner, during the enforcement operation.
Alleged Violations by Faisal Town Management
According to RDA officials, the management of Faisal Town has been accused of multiple serious violations of the approved layout plan. These infractions include:
- Failure to commence work on a sewage treatment plant, which is crucial for environmental and public health standards.
- Not allotting 53 designated plots within the housing scheme, potentially affecting buyers and investors.
- Neglecting the development of a planned nullah, which could impact drainage and infrastructure in the area.
The authority has emphasized that these actions represent clear breaches of applicable rules and regulations, warranting strict legal measures.
Statements from RDA Leadership
In a statement on the matter, DG RDA Kinza Murtaza affirmed that the authority will continue to pursue legal action without discrimination against all illegal housing schemes and those found violating approved plans. She stressed, "The protection of citizens' rights and interests will be ensured at all costs," highlighting the RDA's dedication to upholding the law and safeguarding public welfare.
Legal Framework and Past Notices
An RDA spokesperson clarified that the action was taken under the Punjab Development of Cities Act, 1976. The spokesperson noted that the scheme's administration had been issued multiple notices in the past but failed to rectify the violations within the stipulated timeframe, leading to the current legal proceedings.
Future Enforcement and Public Advisory
Director General Kinza Murtaza has further directed concerned officers to intensify enforcement operations against other non-compliant housing schemes. She reiterated that no individual or entity should be treated as being above the law. Additionally, the RDA has advised prospective buyers and sellers to verify the approval status of housing schemes through the RDA website or by contacting the authority directly. This precautionary measure aims to help the public avoid potential financial losses and ensure they engage only with legally compliant projects.
