Pasban Watan Pakistan Central President and former Minister of Tourism and Transport, Muhammad Tahir Khokhar, issued a stern warning against the rise of illegal private housing schemes targeting the public, especially Kashmiris and overseas Pakistanis. These illegal projects are looting the hard-earned savings of innocent people by selling plots without approval, while the authorities remain silent spectators.
Khokhar revealed that several private residential projects are operating without necessary permits or adherence to regulations. These projects do not possess approved maps, layouts, or legal documents, yet they are marketing plots worth crores of rupees on government and private lands. He stated that these schemes extend beyond local residents and target overseas Kashmiris, particularly those residing in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, with false promises. These developers disappear after collecting millions of rupees through aggressive advertising campaigns on social media, billboards, and other platforms, both within Kashmir and internationally.
Khokhar claimed that these illegal operations are backed by some politicians and government officials, which is why authorities are unable to take action. He contrasted this with the swift action taken against ordinary citizens for encroaching on state property, highlighting the protection enjoyed by influential builders and organized groups. He demanded that the government take immediate action against these housing schemes, scrutinize their documents, and initiate impartial investigations. Khokhar warned that thousands of people will be affected if this is not done. He emphasized that these projects have not submitted any maps or layouts to the concerned departments, nor have they fulfilled the basic requirements, disregarding laws and regulations.