The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) took action against the promotion of illegal housing schemes by issuing notices to four different advertising agencies. These agencies were directed to stop digital marketing of such schemes to avoid legal action. The RDA’s Metropolitan Planning and Traffic Engineering (MP&TE) Directorate issued notices to Anzo Marketing, Wall Real Estate, Titanium Agency, and Vital Marketing, who were promoting unapproved housing societies through social media.
According to the notice, advertising any housing schemes that do not have legal sanctity is illegal under Section 46(1) of the Punjab Development Authorities (PDA) Private Housing Scheme Rules-2021. The notice further stated that unless a project gets NOC from RDA Rawalpindi, it cannot be declared as an approved or legal project. The agencies were warned not to be a part of this illegal activity that could deceive the general public who invest in illegal housing societies through their platforms.
The RDA also directed the marketing agencies to remove all the material promoting illegal housing schemes, which may initiate the transaction of money from the general public in the shape of booking of plots in unapproved/fake/illegal housing schemes, thus deceiving them through electronic media. The notice emphasized that the marketing/projection of such projects gives the impression to the general public that the project is already approved and legal. The RDA urged the public to check the legal status of the projects on their website or directly obtain the information from the MP&TE Directorate RDA.
In the case of non-compliance with the Punjab Development of Cities Act 1976 and Punjab Development Authorities Private Housing Schemes Rules 2021, the RDA reserves the right to initiate legal proceedings against the marketing agencies under relevant law. The notice is a clear message to those who promote illegal housing schemes through social media and other means that the RDA is vigilant and will take strict action against violators.
The RDA has been taking steps to curb the menace of illegal housing societies in the region, which not only defraud people but also pose a threat to the environment and public safety. The Authority has been working to ensure that only legal and approved housing schemes are promoted in the region, and people are not misled by false advertisements. The action taken against the marketing agencies promoting illegal housing schemes is a step in the right direction and will help in achieving the goal of a planned and sustainable development of the region.
