LAHORE: The Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, States and Frontier Regions has reviewed the alleged establishment of 27 illegal housing societies on official land of Jammu and Kashmir State in Lahore.
Senator Nasir Mahmood Butt, Convener of the Senate Standing Committee, along with members of the Sub-Committee, visited various Jammu and Kashmir State properties in Lahore to examine their current status and assess issues related to their management and protection.
Senator Naseema Ehsan and Senator Nadeem Bhutto also accompanied the delegation during the visit. The committee inspected state properties located in Sultanpuri, Rehmanpura and Nolakha Bazaar.
During the visit, it emerged that 27 allegedly illegal housing societies had been established on official land of Jammu and Kashmir State. Plots were reportedly being sold to citizens in these societies, while several individuals had also constructed houses on the land.
According to the information shared during the visit, a large number of citizens were reportedly unaware that the land on which they were purchasing plots or constructing houses was official property of Jammu and Kashmir State. The situation could expose citizens to legal complications, financial losses and possible fraud in the future.
The committee expressed concern over the matter and emphasised the need for a comprehensive examination of the legal status of the housing societies, land ownership, sale and purchase of plots, and relevant official records. The purpose of the exercise, the committee observed, was to safeguard citizens’ rights and prevent the illegal use of state-owned land.
The concerned authorities briefed the committee in detail on the present status of the properties, administrative matters and available records. The members also reviewed illegal constructions, rental income generated from state properties, unauthorised occupation and encroachments.
The committee members said properties of Jammu and Kashmir State were important state assets and their protection and transparent management must be ensured. They stressed the need for effective measures to prevent illegal construction and unauthorised activities on government land.
The three-day meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, States and Frontier Regions concluded in Lahore. During the meeting, committee members visited various state properties on November 10 and 11.
