The real estate sector in Pakistan has seen remarkable growth over the years. However, this rapid boom has also opened doors for unethical practices by certain builders and housing projects. Mr. Nasir Gondal, Chairman of Gondal Group of Marketing, has made it his mission to educate and protect investors—both overseas Pakistanis and local clients—from falling prey to such fraudulent schemes.

The Problem of Fraudulent Builders and Projects
In his recent message, Mr. Gondal highlighted a troubling pattern in the real estate market: fraudulent builders and developers have started projects with lofty promises but failed to deliver, leaving clients stranded. These builders collected large sums of money from investors, advertised heavily to attract attention, and then either abandoned the projects halfway or ran away entirely with the clients’ investments.

According to Mr. Gondal, many of these scams arise because such builders adopt flawed financial models, particularly Riba (Soud)-based practices. They promise guaranteed rental income on projects that are either incomplete or not even started yet. For instance, clients are shown empty plots or incomplete structures and are assured that construction will commence soon, and they will start receiving rent immediately. Such models are not only unsustainable but also unethical, as they are rooted in bad intentions and financial mismanagement.

The Flaws of the Riba (Soud)-Based Model
Mr. Gondal elaborated on how the Riba-based system backfires in the real estate market. Builders or marketing companies using this model often aim for quick profits without a genuine intention to complete the project. They use the funds collected from clients for other purposes, neglecting the original development commitments. Over time, this flawed approach collapses, leaving projects incomplete and clients helpless.

Mr. Gondal strongly opposes this model, as both builders and clients play a role in its failure. Builders, with their malicious intent, do not plan to fulfill their promises. Meanwhile, clients, despite knowing the risks of Riba, often fall for these schemes, expecting short-term gains. He believes that avoiding Riba (Soud) is essential, as it leads to ethical and sustainable growth in real estate.

A Builder’s Responsibility: Transparency and Commitment
Drawing from his own experience, Mr. Gondal emphasized the importance of a builder’s commitment to completing projects, regardless of challenges. He cited the example of ZN Tower 1, a project in Faisal Hills under his management. Despite rising material costs cutting into profitability, Mr. Gondal ensured that the project continued without compromising quality.

He explained that a genuine builder may face reduced profits due to unexpected circumstances, such as inflation or fluctuating market conditions. However, they will never abandon a project or cause losses for their clients. Instead, they find ways to fulfill their promises because of their sincere intentions and ethical practices.

In Mr. Gondal’s words:

“If you have the intention to complete a project, you will always find a way. Profitability may shrink, but trust and credibility are far more valuable.”

Empowering Clients Through Education
Through his YouTube channel, Mr. Gondal shares the lessons he has learned over 23 years in the real estate industry. He educates investors on how to identify credible housing societies and avoid risky projects. He emphasizes the importance of verifying the background, track record, and financial models of builders before investing.

For overseas Pakistanis, who are often the primary target of fraudulent schemes, this guidance is particularly important. They trust builders to handle their investments responsibly, and Mr. Gondal aims to ensure that trust is never misplaced.

A Call for Ethical Practices in Real Estate
The real estate market in Pakistan holds immense potential, but only when guided by ethical and sustainable practices. Mr. Gondal believes that builders must prioritize their clients’ interests over quick profits. By avoiding Riba-based models and focusing on delivering what they promise, builders can ensure long-term success for themselves and their clients.

For clients, his advice is clear:

• Always research the credibility of the builder or housing society.
• Avoid projects that seem too good to be true, especially those promising guaranteed returns on incomplete work.
• Understand the risks associated with Riba-based models and prioritize ethical investments.

Conclusion
Mr. Nasir Gondal’s commitment to transparency, ethics, and client education sets a benchmark for the real estate industry. Through his leadership, Gondal Group of Marketing continues to deliver quality projects while protecting the interests of its clients. His message serves as a reminder that real estate success is built on trust, honesty, and a genuine dedication to fulfilling commitments.

By following these principles, investors can make informed decisions, and builders can create a more credible and sustainable real estate market in Pakistan.