The Punjab government has imposed a province-wide ban on irregular urban development and violations of master plans, official sources confirmed after a high-level meeting chaired by Secretary Housing Noorul Amin Mengal. The decision requires that approvals for private housing societies be strictly aligned with district master plans, and applications submitted without a master plan will not be accepted.
Directives have been issued to all development authorities’ director generals, as well as to the DG PHATA and CEO RODA, instructing them to stop any approvals that conflict with approved planning documents. The Secretary of Housing emphasised that it is the responsibility of relevant institutions to perform thorough due diligence before granting permissions to developers.
Officials said that unchecked development and master plan violations lead to the destruction of green areas and contribute to worsening smog and environmental pollution. Enforcing master plans is being presented as a key tool to preserve green spaces and improve urban resilience across Punjab.
The housing department’s spokesperson stated that comprehensive planning measures are underway to better regulate private housing societies and ensure consistent application of laws. These measures aim to streamline oversight so that urban growth follows approved plans and infrastructure needs are addressed in a coordinated way.
Under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the government framed the move as part of broader efforts to protect citizens’ lives and property, placing orderly urban development at the centre of planning priorities. Officials said the step will help maintain environmental quality while guiding sustainable expansion in Lahore and other districts.
Authorities reiterated that all approvals must comply with district master plans and warned that non-compliant projects will face administrative action. The focus on master plan enforcement is expected to shape future urban development decisions across the province.
