LAHORE: On the direction of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore, housing societies will now allot plots exclusively on the Punjab government-issued security papers instead of their own printed forms, effectively eliminating the open file system.

NAB Lahore Director General (DG) Amjad Majid Aulakh announced this at an open court held at its bureau here on Saturday, attended by over 200 affectees of the housing societies.

The DG personally listened to their issues and issued immediate directives for resolution.

Affectees of Prime Zone, Farreo Real Traders, Bold Vision, Omega Housing Society, Khayaban-e-Amin Housing Society, Qasim Garden, New Lahore City, and Grand Avenue Housing Society attended the hearing.

During the session, the DG highlighted NAB Lahore’s initiatives in the housing sector.

He said to ensure transparent buying and selling of plots, the policy of issuing security allotment papers had been introduced, initially under the jurisdiction of Ravi Urban Development Authority.

“As a result of NAB Lahore’s efforts, housing societies will now allot plots exclusively on Punjab Government-issued security papers instead of their own printed forms, effectively eliminating the open file system,” he said.

To facilitate victims in fraud cases, the DG issued orders for the creation of a dedicated WhatsApp group where they would receive timely updates regarding progress in cases against perpetrators.

Immediate directives were also given to the management of various housing societies for refunds to affected individuals. Moreover, the DG instructed the handing over of fully developed plots to victims who have paid the total cost of their plots or flats.

Addressing affectees of Khayaban-e-Amin Housing Society, Mr Aulakh said the society’s management had already handed over plots and flats worth millions of rupees to 400 affected individuals. Additionally, 75% of the society’s construction work has been completed under NAB’s supervision.

“A new policy addressing cancelled plots and flats is also under development to ensure a practical and acceptable solution for all stakeholders,” he said.

Speaking to the victims of Grand Avenue Housing Society, he said that 40% of the affected individuals’ dues had already been recovered and returned.

“NAB Lahore has made four attempts to auction the society’s confiscated properties but has yet to succeed. A fifth auction committee will soon be formed to ensure the sale of these properties and distribute the recovered amount among the victims.”

Regarding Farreo Real Traders, the DG said that upon victims’ request, the case had been transferred from NAB Karachi to NAB Lahore. “To date, 894 claims have been received, and call-up notices issued to 100 victims. The names of all accused have been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL), and proceedings to bring back absconders have begun. NAB is collaborating with other institutions to gather detailed information on the assets of the accused.”

For the affectees of Prime Zone, Aulakh said the investigation against the management was in its final stage, and a reference would soon be filed in court. “Efforts are underway to repatriate the absconding main accused, Imran Ali, through Interpol in coordination with the FIA. Imran Ali has already been declared a proclaimed offender by the court, and the case charge sheet is nearing completion.”

Addressing the complaints of victims from Qasim Garden, the DG explained that, under NAB regulations, the absence of at least 100 claimants had resulted in the case being forwarded to the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and the Punjab IG for further action.

On NAB Lahore’s overall performance, the DG stated that some 15,500 affectees of different housing schemes had been compensated this year alone. He emphasized that the purpose of public hearings was to bridge the gap between NAB and the public, reaffirming NAB Lahore’s commitment to resolving grievances promptly and effectively.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2024