Punjab's PAC Demands Records of Government Land Leased to Clubs, Illegal Housing Schemes
Public Accounts Committee-I has given Punjab's administrative departments 30 days to submit details of government land leased to clubs and illegal housing schemes, amid a review of the 2022-23 audit report.
The Public Accounts Committee-I (PAC-I) has directed Punjab's administrative departments to submit comprehensive records of government land leased to public and private member clubs, as well as details of illegal housing schemes, within 30 days. The directive was issued during a meeting chaired by PAC-I Chairman Chaudhry Iftikhar Hussain Chhachhar to review the 2022-23 audit report of the Punjab Board of Revenue (BoR), its attached departments, and the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA).
The committee has asked the Senior Member Board of Revenue, the secretary of local government, the Lahore Development Authority director general, and the secretary of housing to provide complete lease documents. These documents must include the terms and conditions of the leases, construction rules, and compliance details. Additionally, the departments have been instructed to prepare lists of legally approved housing schemes and unauthorized projects, along with details of enforcement actions taken against illegal developments.
During the meeting, the committee examined audit objections related to unpaid government revenue. These included shortfalls in stamp duty, withholding tax, fines, property undervaluation, and revenue losses linked to non-compliant housing societies. Members also reviewed missing records required for audit verification and issues concerning the recovery and use of government land.
The committee also assessed the departments' responses to previous audit objections. The directives aim to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of government land and revenue. The 30-day deadline underscores the committee's urgency in obtaining the required information.
