All Inclusive Analysis of Illegal Constructions in Pakistan

Before we commence our blog, it is pertinent to entail the concept of "Illegal Constructions." Illegal constructions are built up when land encroachers trespass onto the nearby lands by constructing or extending the structures beyond the legally possessed boundaries and creating woes for the general mass and the concerned state authorities. In response, the state allocates new resources to counter the encroachers, or the issue becomes eviler and gets out of control otherwise. In the past, it remained common in Pakistan- especially in cities- due to archaic demarcations of lands, outdated physical surveys and scarcity of governmental funds. Now, in response to increasing land encroachments, the executive branch of the state, fuelled by recent Supreme Court's decisions, is in full swing against illegal constructions like Nasla Tower and Ahad Tower. In this blog, Apex Group narrates an all-inclusive analysis of illegal constructions and their catastrophic impacts on the real estate of Pakistan.

Why are illegal Constructions at their Peak?

Illegal constructions put adverse impacts on the property and life of the public. Illegal buildings are coming up in the country owing to heavy migrations in the metropolitan cities. Let's discuss who is responsible for constructing these illegal structures.

Issues on the part of the concerned administrations

1- Corruption allows buildings to get built up

2- No proper system for swift approval of buildings

3- Irresponsibility of civic bodies leading to illegal constructions

4- Absence of punishable laws dealing with illegal constructions

Issues on the part of builders

1- Misuse of loans provided by banks

2- Construction of affordable homes to attract final users

3- Irresponsible attitude while following the state policies

Catastrophic Impacts of illegal Constructions

Unfortunately, uncontrolled construction of illegal buildings due to loopholes from administration and builders have been leaving serious impacts on the environment, people's health, governance systems, and the overall well-being of citizens.

Impacts on the environment and people's health

Environmentalists warn that unauthorized residential or commercial constructions cause serious effects to the ecosystem as builders don't care about protecting the environment and natural resources while setting up structures. The unsustainable developments increase humidity levels accompanied by a hot temperature that, in the end, adversely impacts human health. Illegal developments can also be a cause of floods putting people's life and property at risk. For instance, as per reports, illegally constructed Lai Nallah in the E11 sector of Islamabad was one reason for the devastating floods of July 2021.

Impacts on the governance system

Land encroachers trespass onto the nearby lands by constructing or extending the structures beyond the legally possessed boundaries, thus, troubles the general mass and the concerned state authorities. It is unfortunate that a big ratio of public officers sitting on the administrative posts receive bribery and work irresponsibly. Moreover, the absence of punishable laws provokes developers' confidence to build illicit constructions. From the financial angle, the state allocates new resources to counter the encroachers, creating more burden on the country's developing economy.

Impacts on common people

Nasla Tower of Karachi has been making headlines nowadays. Unfortunately, the common people have become the prey of illicit builders of this tower. A few days ago, the Supreme Court of Pakistan had announced its decision to bulldoze it due to its illegal construction. Now, the people are raising their voices in demonstrations, but it looks like they will receive nothing in return despite the disappointment. Let's discuss a similar kind of case located in Lahore. Ahad Tower of Lahore is another example of fraud that looted millions of rupees of innocent people.

Anti-Encroachment Drives in Pakistan

According to the government, no one is allowed to trespass onto the land in possession of the state. No one can build an immovable structure like a khokha, hut, etc., on any property without prior relevant authority's approval. The illegally built structures shall be brought down and confiscated at the risk of a defaulter. Undoubtedly, this drive has meaningful intentions, will produce positive sentiments regarding Pakistani real estate regulations, but defaulters of this regulation are primarily the poor who do not carry the financial back to purchase their shops or invest in the rent of businesses.

Need for Proactive Approach, not Reactive on Administratives' End

It is history; unfortunately, the public sectors of Pakistan always followed the reactive approach instead of a proactive one. We first wait for a disaster or tragedy to happen, then react in full emotions. In the previous blog sections, we have explained in detail how the administration and builders play with innocent people with zero fear and intimidation to attain personal gains. The Supreme Court of Pakistan ought to take strict actions against the original culprits instead of ordering the authorities to destroy the complete building with a bomb. The original culprits are the greedy public officers who take bribes and allow builders to deceit the common person.

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