RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) on Saturday imposed a ban on the sale and purchase of plots within the University Town Housing Scheme, while also directing a development freeze and legal action.

RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza visited the University Town Housing Scheme and announced an immediate ban on sale and purchase involving plots and files in the society due to serious issues related to incomplete and unauthorised development.

The inspection, which covered Blocks A, B, C, E, and F, revealed multiple violations, including the lack of proper services design approval from RDA, despite ongoing development and plot sales to the public.

The DG RDA voiced grave concerns over the deteriorating infrastructure, such as unpaved main roads, widespread encroachments, the main entrance gate, and the neglected state of Aziz Khan Road.

Residents complain about snake, mosquito infestations, poor infrastructure

During her visit, a high-level meeting was held where residents and complainants highlighted civic problems, including snake and mosquito infestations, water issues, absence of street carpeting, low-voltage electricity, open manholes, unsafe wiring, overgrown grass that poses dengue risks, and a malfunctioning sewage system.

Ms Murtaza assured residents and allottees that RDA is fully committed to resolving these issues.

She ordered the immediate demarcation and recovery of amenity plots, including those designated for mosques, playgrounds, parks, and schools, from the developer. Additionally, she instructed that the Layout Plan (LoP) be cleared of all encroachments.

She stated that no new or revised LoP would be issued to the sponsor. Legal measures, including arrest and disqualification of the developer, will be considered in accordance with the law.

Key stakeholders, including residents’ representatives, the core committee, and RDA officials such as the Director of Estate Management, Director of Engineering, Director of MP & TE, Deputy Director PR, Assistant Director Planning, Inspector Planning, and others, participated in the meeting.

The RDA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding citizens’ rights and ensuring that all

housing schemes operate strictly within approved legal frameworks.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2025