Lahore: The Punjab government is set to introduce legislation to monitor the master plans of commercial projects through a centralised platform, as reported on June 11.
According to the details, Punjab Local Government Minister and Convener of the Special Committee Zeeshan Rafique announced this initiative during a meeting held on Monday. The meeting aimed to review proposals for regulating the unplanned commercial use of agricultural land. Minister Zeeshan Rafique emphasised the need for a robust and sustainable policy, developed in consultation with all stakeholders, to regulate the commercial use of agricultural land. He highlighted that unplanned commercialisation poses environmental risks and stressed the importance of regularizing residential projects to prevent unauthorised development.
He noted the critical role of the real estate sector in providing employment, both directly and indirectly, and underscored the importance of protecting investors’ capital. The minister pledged to address the issues arising from non-regularized illegal schemes, which harm public interest and create uncertainty. During the meeting, District Commissioner Lahore Rafia Haider was instructed to complete sewerage work before the rainy season and to consider backward areas when planning new schemes.
Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani pointed out that the involvement of multiple government agencies complicates transactions for both buyers and sellers. He stated that the new legislation aims to protect public interests under a single authority. Kirmani also advocated for the construction of high-rise buildings in small areas to maximise land use efficiency and address the needs of a growing population. He emphasized the importance of early action for food security.
