RAWALPINDI:The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) on Thursday claimed that it had rejected the request for approval of the layout plan of an illegal housing scheme known as New Airport Town.

RDA spokesman Hafiz Irfan said in a press release that RDA’s Metropolitan Planning and Traffic Engineering (MP&TE) branch had warned the public against investing in this unauthorised development located in Mouza Katarian, Tehsil, and Rawalpindi district.

He claimed that the New Airport Town was fraudulently enticing public to purchase plots, risking their life savings. As a result, the RDA has rejected and returned the file submitted by the scheme’s owner. “Despite being directed to cease all development, marketing, and booking activities, the owner has continued with the development work,” he said.

In a press release, RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza has cautioned the public against illegal housing schemes and emphasised not falling prey to unauthorised housing societies. It stated that the developers of New Airport Town are illegally advertising and selling plots without RDA approval, violating Rule 46(1) of the Punjab Development Authorities Private Housing Scheme Rules-2021.

The public is requested to avoid this scheme. “No sponsor shall advertise the sale of plots or housing units in print, electronic media, or any other manner without prior approval from the authority, the press release said.

RDA has instructed the scheme’s owner to halt all development activities, advertisements, events, and the sale/purchase of plots immediately. Failure to comply will result in legal action as per the rules. Additionally, RDA DG Kinza Murtaza has directed the MP&TE branch to take immediate and strict action against illegal advertisements and marketing of unauthorized housing schemes.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2024