ICT Admin Barr Housing Societies from Using Govt Deptt Name

Islamabad: In the wake of growing complaints about the cooperative housing schemes using the name of state-owned institutions for the Promotion Of Private Housing Societies, the federal government has directed these developers not to use the name of government departments anymore. It was reported that using the names of government institutions like Senate, Cabinet and National Assembly gives the impression if the society is being run by the government. In a memorandum issued by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, all such housing societies registered with ICT admin have been strictly directed to change the name within the next three weeks. Previously ICT Has Banned The Advertisement Of Societies With No NOC In Islamabad.

The issue of private housing societies using the names of a government department has been in the limelight for quite some time and in 2020, the Islamabad High Court observed that using the name of government institutions was illegal. Last week the Court made a similar instruction which prompted the federal government to take action against those schemes which are using names similar to the name of any ministry, government department, or organization established through the constitution of Pakistan. It is however important to point out that the decision will apply to the schemes registered with ICT administration and not to the societies like Bahria Town Registered with the Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

A CDA spokesman told the news reporters that the Deputy Commissioner would issue these orders to the circle registrar housing societies today (Monday). He said that at least forty cooperative housing societies are currently operating in the federal capital and it has also been noticed that many societies have just handed over the files to the buyers and no possession of land given to them as yet. He added, “ A number of them have been using names of government entities. Their names have to be changed in CDA records as well as with the Circle Registrar Office of the district administration. There is a provision under Section 16-A of Cooperative Housing Societies Act to give such orders,” He further highlighted that the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad has been advised to direct the circle registrar housing societies to issue notices to such societies to change their names within three weeks.