Axe falls on four RDA officials

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has launched a large-scale internal accountability drive following revelations in the University Town housing scandal involving massive public losses.

Four RDA officials have been suspended, while show-cause notices have been issued to the Deputy Director (PR) and Legal Officer for negligence.

The RDA DG Kanza Murtaza issued seven directives aimed at tightening internal discipline and accelerating legal action against the scheme's owners.

Suspended officials include Scheme Inspector Muhammad Tariq, Senior Draftsman Muhammad Afzal, Scheme Superintendent Syed Shafqat Mahmood, and Assistant Director (LD) Dilshad Ali.

The Deputy Director (PR), Hafiz Muhammad Irfan, was issued a notice for failing to take control of the RDA's official Facebook page, causing reputational damage and given three days to respond.

Legal Officer Shamshad Yousaf was also served a notice for presenting a weak case in court regarding the arrest of University Town owners.

The DG has directed that all future court appearances be handled by Legal Officer Kashif Ali Malik.

Orders have been issued to register FIRs against owners Abdul Aziz Khan and Jameel Khan, freeze their bank accounts, and trace their commercial and residential properties for seizure.

Deputy Director (State Management) Masood Arshad has been instructed to complete investigations into the scandal and submit a detailed report.