SC suspends SHC orders on Fazaia scheme

Asks how PAF could engage in such joint venture with private entity

The Supreme Court on Thursday suspended the decision made by the Sindh High Court (SHC) on the payment of dues to those defrauded in the Fazaia Housing Scheme. The apex court also sought replies from the National Accountability Bureau and other parties on the matter.

A three-member bench, comprising Justice Faisal Arab, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah and Justice Muneeb Akhtar, was hearing the case at the apex court's Karachi registry.

Expressing anger at the defrauding of citizens in the housing scheme scam, Justice Shah observed that the name of an important institution, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), was also being tarnished by involvement in such a scheme.

"How can the PAF take part in a joint venture with a private entity?" he asked. "How was the land allotted for the project?" He pointed out that it was not just the matter of allotting land either, but rather it was the matter of defrauding the people.

Overseas victims of the housing scam had challenged the high court's decision in the Supreme Court, stating in the petition that the money should be refunded to the victims with profit.

On July 3, the SHC had ordered the PAF and other accused to return the original deposit to the victims within six months, while also ordering the release of the accused on bail.

The apex court sought replies from the NAB and other parties pertaining to the case.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 7^th, 2020.