ISLAMABAD: A large number of citizens have been suffering due to the disappearance of original files of their plots from the record of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), forcing them to “run from pillar to post” in a bid to get their property transferred.

There are two types of plots in CDA’s sectors – plots sold by the CDA through auctions; and plots allotted to the affected persons which were sold in the open market. The affected persons are people whose land had been acquired by the CDA and they got plots in return.

Sources said that files of many plots, which were initially allotted to the affected people, were missing from the record of the land directorate. The sources claimed that it seemed that either these files were bogus or they had irregularities.

Since these plots were sold to other parties, these buyers were facing difficulties due to the missing record. The sources claimed it was a chronic problem in the CDA.

“At times, the CDA officials in connivance with property dealers make these files disappear until the appointment of their men on main posts for the approval,” sources alleged.

On the other hand, sometimes files are disappeared in a bid to cover up allotment of plots based on ‘bogus files’.

The sources said recently the CDA management swung into action and started a probe against fraudulent allotment with the help of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate plots allotted from 2017 to 2023. In light of this probe, it seems some ‘tainted’ CDA officials tried to tamper with the evidence and removed the files from the official record.

Seven-strong probe team

Meanwhile, CDA’s deputy director general took notice of this issue and after approval of CDA Chairman Anwarul Haq formed a seven-member committee, which also had representation of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and FIA to look into the issue of missing files.

The committee would be headed by the CDA director of security and includes the director of land, and representatives of the planning and law wings, the FIA and the IB.

The letter dated November 6 available with Dawn, stated: “This is to state that Land and Rehabilitation Directorate is in receipt of multiple applications, wherein applicants have contended that they are unable to transfer their properties because of original files of their properties are missing/lost and these files cannot be reconstructed as record of their allotment is missing,” read the letter.

It further said: “In such cases, inquiries are usually conducted through the security directorate of the CDA, which however do not bear any consequences, especially for general public. Resultantly, the applicants/ transferees run from pillar to post to get their right of transfer and have to suffer prima facie because of no fault on their own. Recently, the secretary interior has also taken notice of such incidents and has desired to resolve these issues to provide relief to the suffering applicants.”

According to TORs, “The committee may probe/determine the exact quantum of missing/fake files. It may suggest measures/action (disciplinary /criminal) to be taken against responsible officials to thwart such attempts in future. The committee may suggest measures/way out for general public suffering because of the issue. The committee may also suggest measures/action to be taken against the private persons involved through whom the transfers have taken place,” read the letter.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2023