ISLAMABAD: As many as 111 officials of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) were found involved in, or faced, corruption cases during the last 10 years, it was revealed during the question-hour session of the Senate on Tuesday.

In his written question, Senator Jan Muhammad asked the interior minister for details of officials of the CDA found involved in corruption cases during the last 10 years, including their names and designations, nature of allegations, names of investigating agencies, current status, outcomes of inquiries and penalties imposed, with a case-wise breakdown.

He also asked whether it was a fact that a number of such officials were still working in the CDA despite proven or pending charges.

If so, he sought details of the posts and designations they were currently holding, along with the steps taken or being taken by the government to ensure better transparency and accountability in the CDA.

Sharing the details, the interior minister, in his written reply, stated that 111 officials faced corruption cases during the last 10 years.

He also shared details of the charges and the outcomes of inquiries. The minister’s reply further stated that inquiries against many officials were still in progress.

The minister said that the majority of officers against whom charges of corruption had been substantiated had already been subjected to significant penalties, including dismissal, removal, compulsory retirement, or reduction to lower time scales, in accordance with the severity of the charges.

“Some officers against whom charges have not yet been proven, and whose inquiries are still ongoing, are currently serving in the CDA,” the minister said, adding, however, that these officers had been relieved from positions related to the ongoing investigations.

“In order to enhance transparency and accountability, the CDA has implemented the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Rules in their true letter and spirit for all types of procurement, tendering, and auction processes. The use of the E-PADS online system has been made mandatory in this regard.

Furthermore, the Directorate of Procurement and Contracts has been restructured to ensure more effective oversight and control over all procurement and tendering activities. In addition, all land records have been digitised through the Punjab Land Record Authority (PLRA),” the minister stated.

He added that the process of property transfers under the Estate Management Directorate had also been digitised, with case tracking now facilitated through a dedicated mobile application.

CDA-DHA pending plots

Meanwhile, in reply to another question asked by Senator Jan Muhammad about the CDA-DHA land exchange that took place in 2007, the minister, in his written reply, stated, “Two agreements dated 12-09-2007 and 14-03-2008 were signed between CDA and DHA-I.

As per the agreements, CDA allocated 2,412 kanals of raw land to DHA-I, and in exchange for that allotted land, DHA-I agreed to hand over 729 developed plots to CDA (measuring 500 sq. yards each).”

He added that DHA-I handed over 727 allotment certificates on 31-12-2013, but the plot numbers were not mentioned in the certificates.

DHA-I has now handed over allotment letters of 725 plots with designated plot numbers in September 2024, he said.

The minister further stated that, as per the agreements, plots were to be offered in Phase II (extension). “However, 725 plots were allotted in DHA Phase-VI. Through a letter dated 15-05-2025, CDA returned the allotments of 193 plots to DHA for disposal, and CDA has asked DHA to share the offered amount, which may first be shared with CDA so that the same may be approved. No penalty has been imposed on DHA,” the minister stated.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2025