LAHORE: The Punjab government has started preparing a stringent legislation against land grabbers and individuals involved in plot fraud. The development came during a meeting that was chaired by Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin on Friday. Senior officials, including Senior Member Board of Revenue (SMBR) Nabeel Javed, Punjab Housing Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, LDA Director GeneralTahir Farooq, Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA) Director General Capt Ikram-Ul-Haq (r), and concerned officers from the local government, finance, law, RUDA, cooperatives, environment, and WASA departments, participated in the meeting. During the briefing, it was announced that the Punjab Land Records Authority will develop specialised software for the approval of housing schemes across the province. A 90-day target has been set to complete digital revenue records, issuance of NOCs, and other related processes. Moreover, measures to address public complaints regarding illegal housing schemes and fake plot file systems were also discussed. The meeting reviewed recommendations to stop the advertisement of illegal housing schemes and to ensure mandatory registration of property dealers. Proposals to freeze bank accounts and seize assets of law violators were also presented. Speaking on this occasion, the Minister stated that no settlements will be allowed on floodwater channels under any circumstances. He emphasised that selling plot files many times over the approved land area will not be tolerated. He further warned that strict action will be taken against housing schemes that change locations after receiving instalment payments for allotted land. He cautioned that those involved in forgery, deception, and fraud should immediately correct their course. He reiterated that protecting public rights is among the top priorities of the Punjab government, in line with the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025