FAISALABAD, April 23: In a clear-cut violation of the Punjab government's ban on sale of land through private treaty (negotiations), the revenue department officials have allegedly sold out a costly three-kanal tract at a throwaway price to a favourite by such a mode.

The alleged underhand deal has caused a loss of millions of rupees to the government. Information gleaned by this correspondent revealed that the buyer had moved an application to Lahore to seek permission for the purchase of a piece of land on the GTS Intersection through private treaty to set up a petrol pump.

The revenue department functionaries, who allegedly colluded with the applicant, neither objected to the move on the basis of the ban imposed on such transactions nor did they propose its auction to generate funds for the government.

The piece of land was specifically sought for purchase by the applicant through negotiations. The site is currently being used by irrigation department's Rana Iftikhar Husain and Khan Amanullah Khan.

Located on a commercially attractive area, the tract could easily fetch much more price than the agreed because several known industrialists had shown keen interest in purchasing it.

Sources said this transaction through negotiation had set a bad precedent and created embarrassment for the chief minister, who had not passed any order in relaxation of the rules.

They said the buyer had close relations with influential people and was running an organized network that acquired such lands through negotiations and political pressure.

The land's price was more than Rs1 million per marla, but it had been sold out at Rs500,000 per marla. Besides, the buyer had been given six months for depositing the price of the land, the sources added. Meanwhile, the colony secretary is learnt to have directed the district officer (revenue) to ensure timely transfer of the property to the buyer.