Flood in Ravi Exposes Cop-Turned-Housing Tycoon
LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: High flood in the Ravi River in recent days has exposed the cop-turned-housing-tycoon and many others who have launched housing schemes on the river bed, now under deluge.
The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) has arrested Khushi Muhammad, the owner of Theme Park, an “illegal” housing society constructed inside the bed of River Ravi. The scheme, spread over 12,000 kanals, was completely inundated during last week’s floods, exposing the massive risks posed by unregulated housing along riverbanks. Through this scheme, Khushi Muhammad, earlier a police constable, has turned into housing tycoon by defrauding people of billions of rupees.
According to an ACE spokesperson, Khushi Muhammad fraudulently sold residential plots without obtaining legal approvals, failing to develop even basic facilities like a sewage system. “The scheme was entirely unlawful as it was built inside the Ravi river bed. All the houses were submerged by floodwater,” the spokesperson said.
Record of Illegal Schemes Sought from RUDA, LDA
ACE has now sought a complete record of housing projects built in the Ravi riverbed from the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), vowing indiscriminate action against violators. “Construction on river land cannot be permitted. Strict action will be taken against such schemes,” the spokesperson added.
From Constable to Housing Tycoon
Sources revealed that Khushi Muhammad, originally a police constable, launched the project on a small piece of land but gradually expanded by exploiting systemic loopholes and bribing officials. Over time, he allegedly transferred billions of rupees abroad.
Officials said this case will test Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s resolve to act against politically connected developers and complicit bureaucrats.
Past Controversies and NAB’s Role
Traditionally, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) investigates fraudulent housing societies. However, ACE’s action in this case has raised eyebrows. Critics note parallels with past cases, such as Federal Minister Aleem Khan’s Park View Housing Society, which NAB once accused of illegal expansion into river and agricultural land. Despite objections from the LDA, Aleem Khan received relief in 2023 under amended accountability laws.
Floods Expose Bigger Crisis
Recent flooding along the Ravi has caused billions in damages to residents of unapproved housing schemes and katchi abadis. Questions are being raised about how RUDA, LDA, and other authorities allowed massive developments in an area officially designated under the Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project.
