ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Monday turned down Safa Gold Mall management request for de-sealing its offices located at 3rd and 7th floor of the mall.

“Your request regarding de-sealing of the premises at 3rd and food court at 7th floor is not ceded,” read the letter of the CDA’s estate wing.

The letter said the CDA board in its meeting held in November 2017 revoked the lease of plot No 5, F-7 Markaz.

“To date, no record exists that shows that the cancellation of lease of plot No 5, F-7 Markaz has been rescinded,” read the letter.

CDA had auctioned plot No 5 in Jinnah Super Market in 2010, where its health department was once located. But in a highly questionable move, the civic agency converted the health facility in to a commercial plot.

According to CDA officials, in the allotment letter, it was clearly defined that the floor-area ratio of the building would be 1:5 with 100pc coverage and the number of storeys was ground-plus four, thus capping the height of the building.

Later, the plot owner, in connivance with the CDA officials constructed three additional and unauthorised storeys.

Though, he got permission from CDA for three additional storeys, but when the matter was highlighted, the CDA withdrew the permission of three additional storeys.

Later, the matter was probed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and several CDA officials as well as owner of the mall faced jail.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2022