Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi chaired a meeting of the council of the Land Use and Building Control Authority (LUBCA), approving several measures aimed at regulating housing schemes, streamlining building approvals and curbing illegal construction activities.The chief minister approved a proposed amendment to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Housing Schemes Regulations 2024 and directed authorities to expedite the process of determining the legal status and granting approval to unapproved and illegal housing schemes.

Afridi ordered that a cut-off date be fixed for registration applications from all unregistered and illegal housing schemes.He directed that strict action be taken under the law against schemes that fail to submit applications within the prescribed period or do not fulfil the required conditions. “Bringing unregistered housing schemes within the legal framework is the primary objective of extending the housing regulations,” the chief minister said.

He also directed the authorities to develop a centralised system under LUBCA for the approval of building plans for all development authorities, except the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA). The chief minister asked officials to submit a final plan within two weeks on either integrating the development authorities or establishing a centralised system. He said an integrated and effective mechanism was essential for improving the performance of development authorities and ensuring transparency.

The meeting also considered a proposal to create 21 new posts to enhance LUBCA’s operational capacity. Officials briefed the meeting on matters relating to the approval and renewal of the enlistment fee structure and the introduction of a uniform debris fee. The council gave its in-principle approval to the proposed enlistment and renewal fee structure and uniform debris fee.A proposal to exempt residential building plans covering up to five marlas from the debris fee was also discussed. The chief minister directed that the matter be placed before the Finance Committee.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)