Suspected Plot Allotment in CDA Causes Over Rs1 Billion Loss to National Exchequer

Islamabad: Irregularities in the allotment of plots at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) have caused a loss of more than Rs1 billion to the national exchequer, officials revealed during a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee.

The committee meeting, chaired by Shahida Akhtar Ali, was briefed by the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) regarding the ongoing investigation into a major scandal involving the suspicious allotment of 43 plots in different sectors of Islamabad.

According to the briefing, serious irregularities were identified in the allotment process, resulting in financial losses exceeding Rs1 billion. The audit report also raised questions about the CDA’s Land and Rehabilitation Directorate. Officials said the case regarding the 43 plots is currently under investigation by the FIA.

The FIA chief informed the committee that more than 20 individuals, including four additional secretaries and seven deputy directors, have been arrested in connection with the case. Overall, legal action is being pursued against 57 suspects, of whom 46 are currently in custody, while around 37 individuals are facing cases while out on bail.

Authorities have also taken possession of several valuable plots in various sectors allegedly linked to those involved. Money laundering cases have been initiated against the suspects as part of the investigation.

According to the audit report, the allotment of the 43 plots violated established rules and regulations. Audit officials were unable to obtain files for 41 plots from the record room, while only two files were made available for review, raising concerns about possible manipulation and the disappearance of key documents.

During the meeting, committee members questioned CDA officials about the scale of corruption within the institution. Lawmaker Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also raised concerns about compensation for landowners, noting that payments as low as Rs800,000 per kanal were being made even after an 18-year delay.

The FIA further revealed that fake cheques worth millions of rupees had been issued in the case. Land belonging to orphaned individuals was allegedly seized, and cheques totaling Rs60 million were issued in the names of deceased persons. Around Rs300 million was reportedly paid to fake beneficiaries, depriving the rightful owners.

Lawmakers questioned how such large-scale irregularities could occur within the CDA without oversight. In response, CDA officials stated that criminal cases had been registered against those involved and several suspects had already been arrested.