RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORTER
On the directions of the Director General, Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Kinza Murtaza, the RDA Enforcement Squad conducted an operation against an illegal under construction commercial building adjacent to Attock Oil Pump situated on the green belt at Bahria Town Phase VIII, Rawalpindi. The squad also sealed this petrol pump along with the adjoining shop.
The operation was carried out to curb the rising trend of unauthorized commercial activities on protected land, particularly green belts that are reserved for public use and environmental preservation.
The action was taken under the Punjab Development of Cities Act 1976 and the RDA Building and Zoning Regulations 2021. The property owner Shahid Laiq had violated the law by constructing building without obtaining the required approvals and No Objection Certificate (NOC). Heavy machinery was deployed to facilitate the removal of the illegal structures.
An RDA spokesperson stated that DG RDA, Kinza Murtaza, has directed the Land Use and Building Control (LU&BC) Wing to take strict action against all encroachments and illegal residential-cum-commercial activities without any fear or favor. She has also instructed the Building Control Wing to conduct a comprehensive survey regarding fees and charges for approval of illegal buildings, commercialization, complementary maps, and plans of structures, and to regularize all illegal residential-cum-commercial buildings within RDA’s controlled areas.
The DG emphasized that RDA is fully committed to ensuring proper urban development and effective regulation of the city. She urged the public to take moral responsibility, cooperate with the Authority, and voluntarily remove encroachments to avoid future losses.
The operation was conducted by Building Superintendent Fahad Bhatti, Building Surveyor Aamir Mahmood Malik along with the RDA enforcement staff with the support of Police from Police Station Rawat.
The RDA has affirmed that such actions will continue to protect public land and uphold city planning rules.