LAHORE: A Senate sub-committee has inspected several Jammu and Kashmir State properties in Lahore after it was reported that 27 allegedly illegal housing societies had been set up on official state land.
Senator Nasir Mahmood Butt, Convenor of the Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, States and Frontier Regions, led the visit along with members of the sub-committee. Senators Naseema Ehsan and Nadeem Bhutto also accompanied him during the inspection.
The delegation visited Jammu and Kashmir State properties situated in Sultanpuri, Rehmanpura and Nolakha Bazaar to review their existing condition and examine issues linked to their management, protection, occupation and use.
During the visit, it emerged that 27 allegedly illegal housing societies had been established on official land owned by Jammu and Kashmir State. Plots are reportedly being sold to citizens in these societies, while a number of individuals have already constructed houses on the land.
According to the information placed before the committee, many citizens are not aware that the land on which they are purchasing plots or building houses is official property of Jammu and Kashmir State. The situation may lead to legal complications, financial losses and possible fraud for citizens in the future.
The committee expressed concern over the matter and called for a detailed review of the legal status of the housing societies, land ownership, sale and purchase of plots and related official records. It observed that such scrutiny was necessary to protect citizens’ rights and stop the unlawful use of state-owned land.
Officials concerned briefed the committee in detail about the present status of the properties, administrative affairs and available records. The committee members also examined matters relating to illegal constructions, rental income from state properties, unauthorised occupation and encroachments.
The members underlined that properties belonging to Jammu and Kashmir State were important state assets and that their protection and transparent management must be ensured. They also stressed the need for effective steps to prevent illegal construction and unauthorised activities on government land.
The three-day meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, States and Frontier Regions concluded in Lahore. As part of the proceedings, committee members visited various state properties on November 10 and 11.
