Pakistan Cracks Down on Illegal Constructions in Government Housing

Pakistan's Ministry of Housing has launched a major operation to tackle illegal occupations and encroachments of federal government-owned residential accommodations in Islamabad. The move comes following directions from Federal housing, minister, take, strict, action, illegal, occupations.

Why this matters: This crackdown on illegal constructions in government housing highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent misuse of public property. It also sets a precedent for the government's commitment to reclaiming misused resources and promoting accountability in the management of public assets.

A meeting chaired by Secretary Housing and Works Dr. Shahzad Khan Bangash was held to address the issue, attended by senior officers including Additional Secretary Housing Muhammad Ashfaq Ghumman, Joint Secretary Estate Malik Saeed, and Director General Estate Office Obaidud Din. The ministry has decided to issue notices to allottees who have made additional constructions in their government-allotted houses, subletting federal government-owned residential accommodations, or using them for commercial activities.

Secretary Housing Dr. Shahzad Khan Bangash stated, "According to the directions of the Housing Minister, strict action shall be taken against those who have added extra construction illegally inside the courtyard/rooftops by disturbing the original plan of the building." The ministry will also take stern action against property dealers facilitating the subletting of government accommodations.

This is not the first time such an action has been taken. In 2018, a similar operation was conducted on the directions of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, resulting in the vacation of 2,200 houses from illegal occupants. The Ministry of Housing will starting, drive immediately to evict illegal occupants from government accommodations with the assistance of the district administration and capital development authority.

The current crackdown aims to vacate 17,000 government houses in Islamabad that have illegal constructions and extensions. Notices will be issued to allottees under Rule 16 and 19 of the Accommodation Allocation Rules (AAR). The ministry's decisive action demonstrates its commitment to reclaiming misused government property and restoring the original state of these residential accommodations in the federal capital.

Key Takeaways

• Pakistan's Ministry of Housing launches operation to tackle illegal occupations of government-owned residences in Islamabad.
• Notices to be issued to allottees with illegal constructions, subletting, or commercial use of government accommodations.
• Strict action to be taken against property dealers facilitating subletting of government accommodations.
• Operation aims to vacate 17,000 government houses in Islamabad with illegal constructions and extensions.
• Ministry's goal is to reclaim misused government property and restore original state of residential accommodations.