LAHORE: Convener of the Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and Frontier Regions Nasir Mahmood Butt, along with members of the sub-committee, on Thursday visited various properties of Jammu and Kashmir State in Lahore to review their current status and assess issues related to their management and protection.
Members of the Sub-Committee, Senator Naseema Ehsan and Senator Nadeem Bhutto, also accompanied the chairman during the visit. The delegation inspected Jammu and Kashmir State properties located in Sultanpura, Rehmanpura and Naulakha Bazaar.
According to an official statement, during the visit, it emerged that 27 allegedly illegal housing societies have been established on the official land of Jammu and Kashmir State where plots are reportedly being sold to citizens, while several individuals have also constructed housesontheland.
‘A large number of citizens are reportedly unaware that the land on which they are purchasing plots or constructing houses is, in fact, the official property of Jammu and Kashmir State. This situation could expose the citizens to potential legal complications, financial losses and possible fraud in the future,’ it said. The committee expressed concern over the matter and emphasised the need for a comprehensive examination of the legal status of these housing societies, land ownership, sale and purchase of plots, and relevant official records. The objective is to safeguard citizens’ rights and prevent the illegal use of state-owned land.
The authorities concerned briefed the committee on the current status of the properties, administrative matters and available records. The committee members also reviewed illegal constructions, rental income generated from state properties, unauthorised occupation and encroachments.
The committee members emphasized that the properties of Jammu and Kashmir State were important state assets, and their protection and transparent management must be ensured. They stressed the need for effective measures to prevent illegal construction and unauthorised activities on the government land.