Massive land scam uncovered in CDA: High-ranking officials implicated in fraudulent activities worth Rs. 1 Billion; Former member estate arrested, director land escapes arrest

By Naveed Siddiqui
ISLAMABAD: In a startling revelation, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has unearthed a major land scam in Islamabad, implicating high-ranking officials and private individuals in fraudulent activities worth approximately Rs. 1 billion.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by SI Mirza Wagas Manzoor of FIA Corporate Crime Circle, the scam involves the illegal allocation of 62 plots measuring 30 x 60 sq. ft. each in CDA Sector I-15. The investigation, initiated upon receipt of a reference, unveiled that the heirs of Akbar Ali s/o Khan Sahib Kamal-ud-Deen and a dealers’ mafia colluded to fabricate fake reports for 624 Kanals and 8 Marlas of acquired land in 04 different Mouzas.
The accused, including Patwari Abid CDA, Patwari Rashid Mehmood, Patwari Muhammad Asif, Aftab Saleem (AD L&R), Sidra Anwar (former Director Land), and Afnan Alam (former Member Estate CDA), along with the legal heirs of Akbar Ali s/o Khan Sahib Kamal-ud-Din, are facing charges under sections 420, 468, 471, and 109 PPC r/w 5 (2) PCA 1947 for cheating, forgery, and criminal misconduct.
Assistant Director Malik Sajid Mehmood, who will lead the investigation, assured that the role of other officials/officers of CDA and private individuals would be determined during the inquiry.
In related developments, former Member Estate CDA Afnan Alam has been arrested following the cancellation of his pre-arrest bail plea by the special court. However, former Director Land and Rehabilitation CDA Sidra Anwar’s interim bail has been revoked, but she could not be arrested due to non-appearance in court. A team has been deployed for their arrest.
The case highlights the persistent efforts to combat corruption within government institutions and the stringent measures being taken to address such allegations, underscoring the importance of accountability and transparency in governance.