Exposed: NAB uncovers fraudulent land purchase, recovers money

Inquiry committee points out loss to national exchequer.

PESHAWAR: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has recovered Rs72 million through voluntary returns in a case pertaining to illegal purchase of land for the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE), DI Khan.

NAB received a complaint from the provincial government against former officials of BISE, DI Khan and others regarding corruption in the acquisition and purchase of land for an office. Consequently, NAB’s director general took notice and constituted an inquiry team under Additional Director Ghazi Rahman to probe the issue, said people familiar with the matter.



During the inquiry, it was found that a former official in connivance with revenue officials and a private land owner, purchased unsuitable land in violation of the Land Acquisition Act, 1984 for an exorbitant sum of Rs72 million. This resulted in a huge loss to the national exchequer.

Moreover, even after the land was purchased it was not transferred under the name of BISE for obvious mala fide intentions. During the inquiry, the land’s owner availed the option of voluntary return under Section 25A of the National Accountability Ordinance and deposited Rs72 million with NAB authorities.

NAB’s inquiry team also held a meeting with DI Khan commissioner and senior member Board of Revenue (SMBR) to facilitate acquisition of suitable land for the purpose – preferably state-owned land at a nearby location to safeguard public money and facilitate the public visiting the board office.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 3^rd, 2013.