ISLAMABAD: The new management of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has halted the transfer of 22 already allotted plots and the allotment process of around 60 more plots in Sector D-13 under alleged pseudonyms, as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi appreciated the civic agency for exposing the alleged mega scandal.

The interior minister presided over a meeting on CDA affairs in which several new projects were discussed. Meanwhile, the land scam also came under discussion, which surprised and stunned the minister, who ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to complete the probe into the alleged scam on a priority basis.

Sources said the minister was briefed about the case in detail by the CDA chairman and member estate.

Sources in the land directorate of CDA told Dawn that there was a legitimate claim of a citizen who was supposed to get 22 plots against his around 80-kanal land acquired by CDA.

Interior minister orders FIA probe, further allotments worth over Rs1bn stopped

However, the “applicant” allegedly got his and his father’s names changed.

Subsequently, some years ago, he was allotted 22 plots in Sector D-13 after informing CDA that, on the order of a local court, he had changed his and his father’s names in the Nadra record. He produced an identity card to CDA, which was accepted without cross-examination of other records such as educational certificates and a police report, making the entire episode doubtful.

Later, the same 22 plots were sold in the open market. Now, CDA has stopped further allotment of these plots due to suspicions. Sources in the land directorate said that when newly appointed Member Estate Muhammad Zaman Wattoo, on a citizen’s complaint, further probed the matter, it transpired that around 60 more such plots under alleged pseudonyms were in process in the land directorate. Following this, the member estate and CDA chairman directed the immediate stoppage of all proceedings. “The new alleged scam is worth over Rs1 billion, as a one-kanal plot is worth around Rs25 million in Sector D-13. Some officials were preparing cases for around 60 more plots against acquired land, but incumbent CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf and Member Estate halted all proceedings.”

Sources said that when the matter was brought to the minister’s notice during the meeting, Naqvi directed the FIA to complete the probe on a priority basis.

“Minister congratulated Chairman CDA retired Lt Sohail Ashraf and Member Estate Zaman Wattoo for exposing the corruption scandal in CDA and stated that no individual involved in corruption would be given any leniency,” read an official press release issued by the Ministry of Interior, which did not share further details of the scam.

It is relevant to note that in the audit report of 2023-24, the federal audit pointed out the scandal of 22 plots, reported by this newspaper in 2024, and the incumbent CDA management halted further proceedings of around 60 more plots.

Meanwhile, the press release said that the four-hour-long meeting chaired by the interior minister reviewed the progress of ongoing public projects and new development initiatives in Islamabad in detail.

He directed that the digitisation process of land and property records be completed within 120 days, enabling citizens to track the updated status of their applications.

Naqvi also directed that no illegal housing society would be allowed to operate in Islamabad under any circumstances. According to the press release, the meeting was informed that the pre-qualification process of three international companies for the construction of the new Convention Centre, Expo Centre, and Islamabad Arena had been completed.

The interior minister directed that the construction of the new Convention Centre, Expo Centre, and Islamabad Arena be completed before next year’s SCO summit. It was also decided that a Khidmat Markaz would be established in F-6. The minister directed the early launch of modern recreational facilities, including TopGolf, hot air balloon rides, zip line, water park, and amusement park projects, the press release added.

Naqvi said that modern sports complexes would also be developed to promote sporting activities. He also sought a comprehensive plan for transforming F-9 Park on the model of Hyde Park and for developing recreational facilities near Shahdara Dam.

The minister ordered the immediate start of beautification and lighting work on the Islamabad Expressway and Club Road. The briefing informed that construction of the service road on the Islamabad Expressway would begin after approval from the Planning Division, the press release said.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2026