ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has expedited investigations against Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials for converting plots set aside for clinics to commercial ones. The corruption watchdog directed CDA officials to appear before investigators on Thursday in connection with the conversion of a clinic plot in Noorpur Shahan.

Sources told Dawn that a few days ago, NAB Rawalpindi directed concerned CDA officials through an official letter to appear before NAB investigators on July 12 to record their statements in connection with the clinic plot in Noorpur Shahan.

They said three other cases of the conversion of clinic plots to commercial ones were being probed and that the bureau has now started a fourth investigation as well.

The three clinic plots being investigated earlier are in G-6 civic centre, Rana Market and F-8 Markaz. The sources said that a few days ago, the CDA’s Enforcement Directorate and Building Control Section had sealed a building constructed on a clinic plot in the G-6 civic centre.

The civic agency had taken the step on the directives of the NAB court which had ordered the CDA to freeze the property under section 12-C of the NAB Ordinance 1999.

Sources said that apart from these four clinic plots, there are other plots which were set aside for amenities and which were converted by the CDA, against the rules, or are being used for purposes other than those for which they were allotted.

A CDA official said several other plots which are worth billions today, particularly in H-8, are under non-conforming use.

“Even the plots allotted for madrassah education are being used for private education services. There is a need for proper investigations,” he said.

The official said corrupt CDA officials had helped private people convert the purpose of plots and that plots allotted for motels are being used for marquees and wedding halls.

“If CDA officials are not involved, then why are such plots not being cancelled. The allotment letters clearly say that the plots cannot be used for other purposes and cannot be sublet,” he said.

When contacted, Building Control Director Faisal Naeem confirmed that NAB is investigating four cases of conversion of clinic plots, adding that the civic agency is fully cooperating in the investigation.

He said the plots in question were converted many years ago.

“We did not convert any plots during my tenure and we took action against many violators and sealed buildings under non-conforming use,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2018