The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on the Local Government Act has made significant revelations during a recent review meeting.
It was disclosed that out of 6,000 development schemes, nearly 4,000 are illegal. Secretary Local Government Mian Shakeel stated that the presence of multiple development authorities such as FATA, LDA, RUDA, and others within a single district has led to unregulated and haphazard planning.
He added that land classification—including green, brown, and industrial zones—has already been completed for many districts. A new authority will now function under this land classification system.
All existing development authorities will be required to submit their development plans, which will be approved under the new authority in line with the master plan.
The role of the new authority will also include improving the master plans of each district, in line with the directives of the Chief Minister of Punjab.
The new authority aims to prevent the conversion of agricultural land into housing schemes and ensure better land use and sustainable urban planning. It will unify master plans, zoning regulations, and land use standards across the province.
The authority will also have powers to approve and amend land use plans, regional development plans, and master plans. Furthermore, it will be authorized to formulate new regulations for private housing schemes and environmental protection.
The Punjab Government plans to establish this body under the name Punjab Special Planning Authority to streamline urban and regional development across the province.
All district development authorities will be required to seek prior approval from the new provincial authority before initiating any new development projects.
The Punjab Special Planning Authority Act 2025 will be presented and passed in the Punjab Assembly.
