As many as 60 properties were sealed by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) during operation conducted against illegal commercial use and non-payment of commercial fees. A spokesman of LDA said on Monday that the town planning wing successfully sealed over five dozen properties of the provincial capital. During the operation, the LDA teams focused their efforts on Johar Town, Khayaban-e-Firdousi and surrounding regions, sealing two dozen illegal commercial properties, including well-known restaurants, food outlets, showrooms, bakeries, and cafes. Chief Town Planner-II Azhar Ali supervised the operation conducted under the directions of Director of Town Planning Zone IV Ali Nusrat. The LDA teams had earlier targeted properties on Multan Road and in Gulberg, sealing approximately three dozen properties in total. On Multan Road alone, a dozen illegal commercial properties were sealed. Additionally, teams from Town Planning Zone III took action in Gulberg, sealing two dozen properties involved in illegal commercial use and outstanding commercial fees.

Among the sealed properties are private banks, stores, travel offices, clinics, laboratories, private schools, offices, showrooms, pizza shops, restaurants, halls, pharmacies, and more. This operation was conducted under the supervision of Chief Town Planner-I Asad Ul-Zaman, with direct oversight by the Directors of Town Planning Zones II and III, Sidra Tabassum. Prior to these actions, multiple notices were issued to the affected properties. The LDA has reaffirmed its commitment to taking indiscriminate action against illegal constructions and commercial buildings throughout the city. Meanwhile, following directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the LDA is actively taking steps to make the provincial capital a “liveable city.” Under the leadership of DG LDA Tahir Farooq, the Enforcement Department has launched a crackdown on illegal encroachments in Karim Market, Moon Market in Iqbal Town, and Scheme Mor. All the illegal counters and encroachments were removed from all sides, resulting in the confiscation of goods from two trucks.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan