Millions worth state assets under review as Senate begins probe into Lahore J&K properties

The Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, States and Frontier Regions has decided

Lahore / Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, States and Frontier Regions has decided to recommend measures to the federal and Punjab governments to remove alleged encroachments from Jammu and Kashmir state-owned properties in Lahore.

Chairman of the committee Senator Asad Qasim said that action was needed to protect state properties and ensure effective management of valuable land assets. He said the committee would prepare recommendations after reviewing the situation on the ground and examining the condition of these properties.

The committee held its meeting at Aiwan-e-Iqbal Complex, Lahore, where officials provided detailed briefings on Jammu and Kashmir state properties managed by the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Senator Asad Qasim said this was the first time the committee had visited Lahore to directly inspect state owned properties, land records and administrative issues. He said the purpose of the visit was to understand problems faced by the department and develop practical solutions.

During the meeting, Federal Secretary for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Kamran Rehman Khan briefed the committee about the administration of urban and rural properties of Jammu and Kashmir State Property Lahore.

Administrator Jammu and Kashmir State Property Lahore Adnan Khan also provided details about the department’s budget, financial matters, rental income, property records and administrative affairs.

The committee was informed that improvements were being made in several areas, including updating property records, introducing geo-fencing technology, increasing rents according to market conditions and improving administrative controls.

Senator Asad Qasim said progress had been made, but further improvement was still required in several matters. He said the committee would prepare recommendations to address legal, administrative and financial issues related to state properties.

The committee chairman said officials had been asked to improve property records and strengthen monitoring systems so that state assets could be properly protected.

The committee members also raised questions and presented suggestions regarding management of the properties. Senators Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Dostain Ali Domki, Nasir Mahmood Butt and Naseema Ehsan participated in the discussion.

Senator Asad Qasim said the committee would conduct an on-site visit of state properties to review encroachments and other issues directly. After the inspection, final recommendations would be prepared for relevant authorities.

He added that the committee would make every effort to resolve long standing issues and ensure better management of Jammu and Kashmir state properties in Lahore.