In a major step towards reforming the real estate sector in Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has issued directives to accelerate the regularisation of illegal housing societies across the province. The Punjab government is also considering a one-time amnesty scheme for qualifying residential projects developed without formal approval.

Chairing a high-level meeting focused on unauthorized and unapproved housing schemes, the Chief Minister emphasized swift and transparent action to safeguard the public from real estate fraud and to restore order in the sector.

“Already developed housing schemes must be brought into the legal framework through proper procedures to prevent further exploitation of citizens,” said CM Maryam Nawaz.

Thousands of Illegal Societies Under Scrutiny

According to official briefings, Punjab is home to over 7,900 housing societies covering around 2 million kanals of land. Of these, only 2,687 are officially approved, while a staggering 5,118 housing societies are either illegal or under review. In the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) jurisdiction alone, out of 707 residential societies, 427 are approved, 206 are declared illegal, and **74 are still in process.

Accountability for Government Negligence

Maryam Nawaz openly criticized regulatory departments for allowing illegal housing projects to flourish.

“These societies were launched in collusion with officials, and no one stepped in to stop them. The result? Citizens lost money and never received possession of their plots,” she stated.

Digitisation of Housing Sector in Punjab

To bring transparency and efficiency, the Chief Minister approved the digitisation of the entire housing sector in Punjab. A digital housing management system will be introduced, enabling:

Online approvals for housing schemes

·      Digital property transfers

·      E-payment of NOC fees

·      Full digitisation of documentation processes

Maryam Nawaz also ordered the abolition of unnecessary NOCs that delay the registration and approval of genuine housing projects.

Rule-Based Amnesty for Developers and Residents

As part of this sweeping reform, a one-time amnesty is being considered for developers and housing societies that meet specific legal and development criteria. This move would allow partially or fully developed housing societies to be legalised, providing much-needed relief to affected homeowners and investors across Punjab.

A New Era of Regulated Real Estate in Punjab

The Chief Minister’s initiative marks a critical shift in how real estate development in Punjab will be regulated. The formation of a high-level oversight committee and the transition to digital governance are aimed at ensuring that all future housing developments are transparent, legal, and citizen-focused.

At Dreams Marketing, we believe this move will restore investor confidence, protect homebuyers, and offer a fair opportunity for developers to regularise housing schemes while complying with Punjab's new housing policies.