The Lahore Development Authority seals properties as part of a significant crackdown, with 60 properties sealed in its ongoing operation against illegal commercial use and non-payment of commercial fees. This crackdown highlights the LDA’s commitment to regulating urban development and maintaining compliance within the provincial capital.
The operation, supervised by Chief Town Planner-II Azhar Ali and directed by Ali Nusrat, the Director of Town Planning Zone IV, targeted various locations throughout the city. The LDA teams sealed over five dozen properties, including two dozen illegal commercial establishments such as well-known restaurants, food outlets, showrooms, bakeries, and cafes in areas like Johar Town, Khayaban-e-Firdousi, and their surrounding regions.
Prior to this initiative, the LDA had conducted operations on Multan Road and in Gulberg, where approximately three dozen properties were sealed for similar violations. Specifically, on Multan Road alone, a dozen illegal commercial properties were sealed to uphold city regulations and ensure a fair marketplace.
Additionally, teams from Town Planning Zone III took action in Gulberg, sealing another two dozen properties linked to illegal commercial use and outstanding commercial fees. The sealed establishments included a range of businesses, such as private banks, stores, travel offices, clinics, laboratories, private schools, offices, showrooms, pizza shops, restaurants, halls, and pharmacies.
This operation was carried out under the guidance of Chief Town Planner-I Asad Ul-Zaman, with oversight from Directors of Town Planning Zones II and III, including Sidra Tabassum.
Before these actions were taken, the LDA had issued multiple notices to the affected properties as part of its compliance measures. The authority remains steadfast in its commitment to enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against illegal constructions and unauthorized commercial buildings throughout the city.
Following directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the LDA is actively working to transform Lahore into a “liveable city.” Under the leadership of LDA’s Director General (DG) Tahir Farooq, the Enforcement Department has launched a concerted crackdown on illegal encroachments in key areas, such as Karim Market, Moon Market in Iqbal Town, and Scheme Mor. In this initiative, illegal counters and encroachments were removed, resulting in the confiscation of goods from two trucks.
Recently, the LDA completed a thorough review of 75,000 properties across various housing schemes as part of its reform efforts. This initiative included mapping to identify business premises operating without authorization. Just last week, the authority sealed 20 properties due to illegal commercial use and demolished six illegal constructions.
