Islamabad: The ECP urged the Punjab interim government not to alter the land use. As doing so would exceed its legal authority.
In a letter to interim Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the chief secretary. ECP Special Secretary Zafar Iqbal Hussain noted that the provincial government implementing significant measures to alter land use in several districts.
“As you are aware, Section 230(2)(a) of the Elections Act, 2017, and subsequent guidelines dated 22nd January 2023 issued by the Election Commission. Prohibiting the caretaker government from taking major policy decisions other than on urgent matters relating to the day-to-day operations of the government,” he reminded the authorities.
“Do not issue NOC for housing societies,” the ECP instructs the Punjab interim government.
The electoral authority informed Naqvi that deputy commissioners issuing no-objection certificates (NOC) for numerous housing societies. Adding that verdant areas and agricultural land sacrificed as a result.
This will result in the mushrooming and disorderly development of residential areas. Moreover, corruption cannot ruled out in certain instances,” the letter stated.
Moreover, The ECP added that a suitable policy required to address the issue. Which is beyond the purview of the caretaker government. It can only be formulated by an elected government.
“Therefore, the issuance of new NOCs may halted immediately, and directives to that effect may issued to all deputy commissioners,” he added.
While, The ECP anticipated that the provincial caretaker government would carry out its duties in accordance with the Commission’s legal mandate and guidelines.
