Evaluating Regulatory Frameworks for Commercial Construction: A Comparative Analysis of LDA and DHA Bylaws in Lahore

Commercialization is a global phenomenon and has adversely affected all the world's metropolises. Lahore, a commercial hub of Pakistan, has also endured extreme commercialization in the past few decades. New commercial markets have been constructed, and many residential areas have been commercialized to cater to the increasing demand, and some consider it a merely revenue-generating policy of the LDA (Lahore Development Authority). Building bylaws have always been a source of truth for construction activities for centuries. A stable built environment can only be created with the help of building codes and regulations, and some authorities to enforce those regulations. The research primarily examined the origins of building regulations and regulatory authorities to illustrate the reasons for their emergence and how these regulations and authorities have evolved. LDA’s history and its part in shaping Lahore’s commercial markets were discussed. A collection of issues emerged due to the heavy commercialization of Lahore. The study then aimed to find solutions to these problems by using DHA as a model example, as it exemplifies the building regulations and enforcement process. Johar Town was selected for the study because it exemplifies the issues caused by the Lahore Development Authority's (LDA) poor commercial planning and commercialization. A detailed comparison of the LDA and the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) was conducted, focusing on their bylaws and enforcement processes. Case studies of the G-1 Market in Johar Town and the DHA Phase-1 Market further supported this comparison. Experts in the field were interviewed, and a survey was conducted to develop corrective conclusions addressing all identified issues.