RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) on Friday sealed the site office of the illegal Housing Scheme Anchorage Islamabad Phase-II and stopped its inaugural ceremony.

It also issued show cause notices to the director of this housing scheme and a marketing company for the illegal advertisement/marketing on the social media of the above-mentioned illegal housing scheme at Mouza Thalian, tehsil and district Rawalpindi.

According to a spokesman, the violations include illegal booking of plots, unauthorised advertisement and marketing through marketing companies, installation of billboards at various locations and commencement of development work before formal approval.

“RDA has clarified that under Section 34 of the Punjab Development of Cities Act, 1976, such offences are cognisable and punishable with imprisonment up to three years, or a fine of up to 10,000 per day. In addition, further fines may be imposed for each day the violation continues after conviction,” he said.

The spokesman further stated that daily penalties may also be imposed depending upon the size of the scheme, ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000 per day. He said that Commissioner Rawalpindi, who had additional charge of RDA Director General, has taken notice and warned the general public to avoid illegal housing schemes, not to get involved in the scam of any illegal housing society, and not to be fooled.

Therefore, the spokesman said that RDA advises the general public in their own interest that they should not make any investment in illegal housing schemes. Moreover, the sponsors are also warned immediately to stop the marketing of their unapproved/illegal housing scheme and should contact RDA for getting NOC / approval of the scheme as per law; otherwise, strict legal action will be taken against them.

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2026