Bahria Town Land Scandal: NAB Recovers 204 Kanals
The land recovery is a major breakthrough for NAB, which has been investigating the alleged illegal activities of Bahria Town and its owner. The case highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in land dealings, and the need for authorities to take action against those involved in fraudulent activities.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has successfully recovered over 204 kanals of land valued in billions of rupees, which was allegedly transferred to Bahria Town Lahore without legal grounds. The land originally belonged to the Official Employees Cooperative Housing Society Ltd in Mauza Manak and Mauza Bhai Kot, Tehsil Raiwind, Lahore.
NAB's investigation revealed that the transfer was illegal and occurred through collusion of officials from the housing society, revenue department, and Bahria Town Lahore. The land has now been restored to the OECHS housing society, its rightful owner. The bureau has appreciated Assistant Registrar Jahanzeb Akbar for reporting the fraudulent activity, which led to the recovery of the land.
The NAB has also taken action against Bahria Town and its owner, Malik Riaz, by freezing assets and issuing a warning to citizens against investing in Bahria Town projects. The bureau has termed these investments as "money laundering". Furthermore, Bahria Town Karachi's bank accounts have been frozen, and an arrest warrant has been issued for Malik Riaz, who is currently an absconder in a UK case related to £190m repatriation.
The recovery of the land and the subsequent actions taken by NAB are significant developments in the ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal allotment of government land to Bahria Town. The case is ongoing, with the Sindh High Court issuing a stay on proceedings against some of the accused, including Qaim Ali Shah and others.