Regularization of Irregular Housing Schemes Ordinance 2021

Regulatory Objectives

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar has enacted regulations governing private housing schemes titled “The Punjab Commission for Regularization of Irregular Housing Schemes Ordinance 2021” to build customer trust. It appears to be an active step in cracking down on illegal housing projects in Punjab Province. The Commission wants to investigate the violation. Through this regulation, the authorities have conveyed that illegal housing projects will no longer be tolerated in the province and take decisive legal action against all illegal housing societies.

What is meant by Irregular Housing Schemes?

Irregular housing scheme means a private housing scheme or a land sub-division or a built-up area that has been developed or a part of which is being developed or sold without the approval of the competent authority or in violation of the approved layout plan or the applicable laws or with the approval of the authority not competent to approve the housing scheme. Therefore, it is essential today to scrutinise and regulate to gain more trust from real estate investors & clients.

Establishment of an Active & Experienced Commission

The 2021 Planning Act constitutes a strong, experienced and knowledgeable committee. The composition of the committee is as follows.

• President: Former judge of the Supreme Court or High Court of Pakistan.
• Urban Planner with at least 20 years of experience.
• Civil Engineer with at least 20 years of experience and accreditation by a national or international professional association.
• Environmentalists with more than 20 years of experience.
• Legal expert with at least 20 years of experience in applicable law.
• Any other expert in the relevant profession in the public or private sector (co-opted by the Commission).

This mandated and experienced Commission will play a key role in regulating the irregular housing schemes in Punjab and speeding up the legalisation process.

The Commission will have the power to impose fines, recommend disciplinary action against officials and officials responsible for establishing irregular private housing schemes, regulate inappropriate land use, and recommend changes to applicable laws and regulations.

Role of Development Authorities & Local Government

The local government or development authority is responsible for providing secretarial support to the Commission and creating & submitting a database of irregular housing schemes. This support will make it easier for the Commission to identify its authority regarding housing projects.

Violation Fines against Irregular Housing Schemes

Violation fines against Irregular housing schemes will be in the following cases:

• Improper land use
• Lack of parks, open spaces or public buildings
• Missing graveyard
• Access road width is less than the required planning standard
• Internal road width is less than the specified standards

Summary

The government will not tolerate illegal housing scheme projects, and it’s being done to boost the real estate sector. The good news is that the government wants to regulate rather than ban illegal housing projects. It will undoubtedly increase customer trust. Both domestic and foreign investors are sure to show greater confidence in real estate following the completion of the irregular housing schemes ordinance 2021, enacted to establish commissions for housing projects in Punjab.