On the directions of the Commissioner Rawalpindi and Director General RDA Engineer Aamer Khattak, the Rawalpindi Development Authority moved to stop illegal operations linked to Anchorage Islamabad. The DG instructed the MP&TE directorate to take decisive action against unapproved housing activity and ensure enforcement without fear or favour.
The MP&TE team sealed the site office of the Anchorage Islamabad Phase II project and prevented its inaugural ceremony from taking place. Show cause notices were issued to the scheme director and to the marketing firms Skyways Marketing and Xpress Marketing Pvt. Ltd. for carrying out unauthorised advertising and marketing on social media and other platforms in Mouza Thalian, Tehsil and District Rawalpindi.
Authorities found multiple violations including illegal booking of plots, unauthorised advertisements and marketing through third-party companies, erection of billboards at various locations, and commencement of development work before formal approval. RDA emphasised that such actions mislead buyers and put the public at financial risk.
The Authority cited Section 34 of the Punjab Development of Cities Act 1976, noting that these offences are cognizable and punishable with imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to Rs. 10,000 per day. Additional penalties may be imposed for each day a violation continues after conviction. The RDA also warned that daily fines ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000 per day may be levied depending on the size of the scheme.
RDA warned the public not to invest in Anchorage Islamabad or any unapproved housing scheme and urged potential buyers to verify NOC status before making payments. Sponsors and developers were instructed to immediately cease marketing activities for unapproved projects and to contact RDA to obtain lawful approval, failing which strict legal action will follow.
The Authority said it has informed relevant agencies including NAB Rawalpindi, FIA Islamabad, Cyber Crime Islamabad and SNGPL Islamabad about illegal advertisements circulating on social media, WhatsApp, YouTube and other internet platforms. RDA noted that some owners and developers falsely claimed to have NOC from the Authority, and the DG has ordered sustained enforcement against illegal housing schemes, unauthorised commercial activity, booking offices and encroachments.
