Top RDA officials summoned in massive scandal

Sources suggest civic agency chief may be removed from post

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab chief secretary has taken notice of the alleged major financial scandal amounting to Rs1.94 billion in the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) and summoned RDA Director General (DG) Kinza Murtaza to appear before a special inquiry committee in Lahore.

There are strong indications that she may be removed from her post and made an Officer on Special Duty (OSD).

Investigations into the scandal are already underway by both the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Anti-Corruption Establishment.

According to sources, between 2016 and 2017, payments totalling Rs1.94 billion were made to various companies and individuals from the RDA's account through Call Deposit Receipts (CDRs).

These bank transactions were never scrutinised by the then DGs or directors of admin and finance, who held signing authority during the period in question.

This complete lack of oversight paralysed the financial discipline and transparency mechanisms within the RDA, sources said.

The malpractice remained unchecked until the first week of May 2025, when newly appointed Director Admin and Finance, Qazi Sohaib, initiated a probe and uncovered the irregularities.

In a related development, former Deputy Director Finance Junaid Taj Bhatti—who was then serving as DG Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) in Sialkot—died under mysterious circumstances on May 13 in his Sialkot office.

Following the discovery, the RDA DG first wrote to the Punjab secretary for housing seeking permission to formally begin an internal inquiry. However, before receiving a response, she proceeded to send letters to the DG of Punjab Anti-Corruption Department and NAB chairman, and DG FIA, requesting their involvement in the investigation.

This move reportedly angered the relevant provincial secretary, who expressed strong displeasure in a video link meeting over the matter being forwarded to external agencies prematurely, sources said.

Meanwhile, NAB has acquired the relevant records and launched a formal investigation. On June 3, the Anti-Corruption Establishment's regional director in Rawalpindi summoned and recorded statements from 13 current and retired RDA officers and employees.

Sources indicate that the DG may be removed from her position and reassigned as OSD after her appearance before the committee.