Ban sought on unapproved property

The Consumers Association of Pakistan has urged the government to bring in swift, workable laws against unapproved housing and commercial schemes, according to The Express Tribune. CAP chairman Kaukab Iqbal voiced alarm at the growing number of residential and commercial projects advertised in Karachi and elsewhere in the country. He wants authorities to act firmly against developers who sell projects that lack official clearance.

Iqbal noted that many promotions offer cars, prizes and discounts, yet buyers often struggle to tell which builders are licensed, whether a scheme has been approved, and if the developer holds the land and permissions it needs. He stressed that real estate supports growth but should not come at the cost of people's savings, pointing to buyers who paid large sums and were left with unfinished projects, delayed possession or funds locked up for years.

Under his proposal, no firm could launch, advertise, take bookings or collect money for a project without full approval from the relevant body. Every advertisement would also need to show the approval number, NOC number and approval date, with the Sindh Building Control Authority or other competent bodies named where applicable, so buyers can check legal status first.