Ring Road land scam case collapses

The Rawalpindi Ring Road land scam case took a dramatic turn after the petitioner withdrew his petition along with all objections and allegations, effectively bringing the case to an end.

A division bench of the Lahore High Court's Rawalpindi Bench, comprising Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan and Justice Sardar Akbar, accepted the request to withdraw the petition challenging the cancellation notice of a land NOC.

The court disposed of the main petition as well as the intra-court appeals filed by the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), the District Petrol Pump Approval Committee and the Ring Road Project Director after they became ineffective.

With petitioner Muzaffar Raheem withdrawing his petition and objections against the authorities, the earlier single bench verdict also ceased to have effect. Allegations against the RDA, commissioner, deputy commissioner and revenue officials regarding misuse of authority and backdated issuance of the NOC also fell through.

The RDA's notice suspending the NOC granted to the petitioner for construction of a petrol pump, mosque and service roads on both sides of the Ring Road over 102 kanals and 14 marlas was restored. According to the petitioner, Rs178.413 million had been paid in fees and duties for the NOC.

The case had earlier led to the removal of five officials, including the commissioner, deputy commissioner, DG RDA and an additional deputy commissioner (revenue), and an inquiry was initiated. With the petition withdrawn, the way has also been cleared for their appointments to new positions.

During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel stated that they wanted to end the matter for the time being and withdraw the petition with all objections, while reserving the right to approach the court again if necessary. Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan observed that the petitioner had the right to withdraw the case and accepted the request.

The petitioner also acknowledged that the single bench had ruled in his favour without obtaining the RDA's reply.

According to the original petition, the RDA had allotted Muzaffar Raheem 102 kanals and 14 marlas of land alongside the Ring Road for construction of a petrol pump, mosque, tourist benches and service areas.