Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Palwasha Khan has accused the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) of corruption. She urged that all illegal land allotment cases be referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for proper investigation.
The remarks came during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Privileges, chaired by Senator Waqar Mehdi. The discussion focused on alleged irregularities in Capital Development Authority (CDA) land transfers and plot allotments.
CDA Provides Update on Land Records and Court Cases
CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa informed the committee that the authority had digitised its records through the Punjab Land Revenue Authority. He emphasised that all pending court cases were being pursued professionally and that the CDA would fully comply with court decisions. Randhawa stressed that the authority remained accountable if any wrongdoing were proven.
Several cases related to farmhouse allotments, each valued at approximately Rs1.5 billion, were reportedly under investigation. Randhawa added that the CDA was computerising its land records and would ensure no delays in court proceedings. Cases involving corruption by CDA employees were being handed over to the FIA.
Senators Raise Concerns About Repeated Plot Transfers
PPP Senator Rubina Khalid criticised the CDA for failing to protect citizens’ interests. She highlighted concerns over repeated illegal transfers, including instances where a single plot was transferred five times. CDA officials were unable to provide satisfactory explanations, prompting further scrutiny by the committee.
Senator Mehdi questioned how subsequent buyers would be affected under such circumstances. Randhawa maintained that the courts should decide these matters and assured the committee that the CDA would contest the cases legally.
Calls for NAB Investigation and Accountability
Senator Palwasha reaffirmed that the FIA and NCCIA were ineffective, recommending that all cases of illegal allotments be forwarded to NAB after acquiring complete details. The CDA chairman expressed willingness to provide records and facilitate NAB review. However, PML-N Senator Saadia Abbasi raised concerns about referring sub judice cases.
Senator Palwasha also alleged wrongful terminations of several junior CDA employees, intensifying calls for transparency and accountability. The committee directed the CDA to submit full documentation of all cases involving fake plot allotments and transfers without delay.
Additional Complaints and Resolutions
Members raised issues regarding accommodations in Parliament Lodges. The CDA chairman assured the committee that he would personally inspect the lodges and resolve outstanding complaints promptly.
The meeting highlighted growing concerns over land management, institutional accountability, and the need for oversight in CDA operations. Lawmakers stressed the importance of transparent procedures and proper legal remedies to prevent further corruption.
