FIA unearths multi-billion rupee scam in CDA: former member estate and director land charged illegal allotment of 62 plots in Islamabad

By Naveed Siddiqui
ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, uncovering a major land scam involving the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
The case, initiated during Enquiry No. 53/2023 of FIA CCC Islamabad, reveals that officials from CDA’s Land and Revenue Directorates, in collaboration with legal heirs and dealers, fabricated reports for 624 Kanals and 8 Marlas of acquired land in four different Mouzas. The beneficiary, Akbar Ali s/o Khan Sahib Kamal-ud-Deen, was non-entitled to the land, yet 62 plots in CDA Sector 1-15, Islamabad, measuring 30 x 60 sq. R., were illegally allotted as compensation, causing an estimated loss of Rs. 1 billion.
The accused, including Patwari Abid CDA, Patwari Rashid Mehmood, Patwari Muhammad Asif, AD (LER) Aflab Saleem, Sidra Anwar (the then Director Land), and Afnan Alam (the then Member Estate CDA), along with legal heirs of Akbar Ali, are charged with offenses including cheating, preparing and using fake and forged reports and documents, and criminal misconduct through misuse of authority.
Malik Sajid Mahmood, the investigator, stated that the role of other CDA officials/officers and private individuals will be determined during the ongoing investigation. Copies of the FIR have been dispatched to relevant authorities.
This revelation marks a significant step towards addressing corruption and irregularities within government departments, emphasizing the commitment to accountability and justice in Pakistan. FIA authorities are making efforts to arrest those nominated in FIA.