The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has temporarily suspended the issuance of No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to new housing societies within its jurisdiction, in response to concerns raised by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding extensive land use in various districts of Punjab.
The ECP’s letter emphasized that the caretaker government’s role is to manage routine operational emergencies and should avoid making significant policy decisions. It also pointed out that changes in land usage initiated by the provincial government across various districts, coupled with the issuance of NOCs by deputy commissioners to multiple housing societies, have raised concerns about the potential compromise of essential green spaces and productive agricultural land.
The ECP has called for an immediate halt to the issuance of new NOCs and directed authorities to communicate this decision to all deputy commissioners. In cases where the caretaker government identifies urgent matters in this context or others, they should present a well-justified case for review and approval by the commission before taking any action.
The LDA has confirmed that the Metropolitan Planning Wing is currently refraining from granting new NOCs.