CDA misappropriations: Rapid construction on a controversial plot worries commission

A CDA official says that a VIP personality from the ruling party is secretly behind the project.

ISLAMABAD:

A judicial commission on Friday raised serious concerns over the rapid construction on a controversial commercial plot in Karachi Company, G-9. The plot, valued at Rs700 million, was allotted for a mere Rs200 million, according to official sources.

The plot was originally allotted to renowned comedian and film star Rangeela for a cinema house. The allotment was cancelled after the celebrity failed to pay up. Following the cancellation, the CDA Board changed the status of the plot to commercial and re-auctioned it for a plaza.

The plaza is currently being rapidly constructed, which may, in future, allow the owner to find a legal loophole to pay less for the project even if misappropriations are proved and the plot re-auctioned.

A CDA official said that a VIP personality from the ruling party is secretly behind the project. He said that in June last year, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had taken into custody the complete records pertaining to the plot.

On Friday, the three-member judicial commission headed by former Supreme Court judge Sardar Raza Khan heard the case in-camera (no access to media) and recorded statements.

The judicial commission was formed in November 2012 to prepare a report on about 600 cases pertaining to CDA pending in the Islamabad High Court. Two retired sessions’ judges, Sakhi Muhammad Kahut and Baqir Ali Rana, are the other two judges in the commission.

The commission was to be compensated Rs5 million for three months of work. But sources say that it is unlikely the commission will be able to complete its report in the stipulated time.

The commission has advertised in various newspapers asking people to come forward and record their statements. So far, an official familiar with the sessions said, four people have recorded their statements.

Commission Secretary Pervez Qadir Memon confirmed that the commission on Friday was concerned over the rapid construction on the commercial plot. So far, he added, more than 70 employees and officials from CDA have recorded their statements.

The commission has completed hearings for Monal Restaurant at Pir Sohawa, IJP Road from Faizabad to Pirwadhai, Park Tower land allotment, LED streetlight project and Kuri Model Village.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th, 2013.