Bureaucrats and Police Officers Get ‘Free’ Plots in Islamabad’s Sector E-11
In recent developments, a significant controversy has surfaced regarding the allocation of one-kanal plots in Islamabad’s luxurious Sector E-11 to senior bureaucrats and high-ranking police officials. These plots have been offered at prices as low as 1.5 percent of their current market value. The issue has drawn widespread criticism and raised questions about the fairness and legality of such allotments.
The Beneficiaries and Allotments
Who Received the Plots?
Among the beneficiaries of these highly discounted plots are notable figures such as former interior secretary Aftab Akbar Durrani and senior police officials including IG Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Akhtar Hayat Khan, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, and NPF Managing Director Sabir Ahmed. These individuals have received one-kanal plots in one of Islamabad’s most sought-after sectors.
Price Discrepancies
The National Police Foundation (NPF) charged these officials a mere Rs. 1.57 million per plot, while the current market value of these plots stands at approximately Rs. 100 million. This stark difference in price has raised eyebrows and led to allegations of preferential treatment.
Similar Cases in Sector O-9
The controversy extends beyond Sector E-11. Similar preferential allotments were reported in Sector O-9. Additional IG Punjab Bilal Siddique Kamyana received a plot for Rs. 500,000, despite its market value being Rs. 30 million. These instances highlight a broader pattern of questionable allotments within Islamabad’s real estate sector.
Defense and Justification
NPF’s Stance
Sabir Ahmed, the NPF Managing Director, defended these allocations, stating that no rules were broken. He claimed that the plots had been vacant for decades and could be reallocated at their original prices. He also mentioned that the registries of these plots were terminated after the previous owners failed to maintain contact, allowing for their reallocation under the original terms.
Regulatory Changes
The situation was further complicated by actions taken by Aftab Akbar Durrani before his retirement. He issued a regulatory order granting the NPF greater autonomy and extending the term of its managing director, which contradicts the society’s rules. This move has been seen as a strategic maneuver to facilitate these controversial allotments.
Legal Challenges and Criticism
Court Challenges
The decision to reallocate plots has faced legal challenges. Former DIG Shahid Iqbal, whose plot was reallocated to another officer, has contested the decision in court, alleging that his plot was unfairly canceled. The legal battles highlight the growing dissatisfaction and perceived injustices among the previous plot holders.
Accusations of Bias
A former legal adviser has accused the NPF of adopting a biased approach to benefit preferred officers. These accusations have further fueled the controversy, with many calling for an impartial investigation into the matter.
Implications and Repercussions
The controversy surrounding these plot allotments has significant implications. It raises questions about the transparency and fairness of the allocation process within Islamabad’s real estate sector. Moreover, it underscores the need for stringent regulatory oversight to prevent the misuse of authority and ensure equitable treatment for all stakeholders.
Public Outcry
The public outcry over these preferential allotments reflects a broader concern about corruption and favoritism in the allocation of valuable real estate. The perception that influential figures can secure prime properties at a fraction of their market value undermines public trust in the system.
Calls for Reform
There have been growing calls for reforms to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the allocation of plots. Many believe that a more robust and transparent process is essential to prevent such controversies in the future and restore faith in the real estate sector’s integrity.
Conclusion
The allocation of heavily discounted plots to senior bureaucrats and police officers in Islamabad’s Sector E-11 and Sector O-9 has sparked significant controversy. The stark discrepancies between the prices paid by these officials and the current market values have led to allegations of preferential treatment and corruption. As legal challenges and public criticism mount, there is an urgent need for comprehensive reforms to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in the allocation of valuable real estate properties.
FAQs About Bureaucrat and Police Officer Plot Allotments
1. Who are the main beneficiaries of the plot allotments in Sector E-11?
The main beneficiaries include former interior secretary Aftab Akbar Durrani, IG Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Akhtar Hayat Khan, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, and NPF Managing Director Sabir Ahmed.
2. What is the controversy surrounding the plot prices?
The controversy centers on the fact that these plots were allotted at prices as low as 1.5 percent of their current market value, raising concerns about preferential treatment and corruption.
3. How has the NPF justified the low prices for these plots?
The NPF has defended the low prices by stating that the plots had been vacant for decades and could be reallocated at their original prices. They also mentioned that the previous owners’ registries were terminated due to lack of contact.
4. What legal challenges have been raised against the plot allotments?
Former DIG Shahid Iqbal has challenged the decision in court, alleging unfair cancellation of his plot. Additionally, a former legal adviser has accused the NPF of biased practices to benefit preferred officers.
5. What are the potential implications of this controversy?
The controversy has significant implications for transparency and fairness in Islamabad’s real estate sector. It highlights the need for regulatory reforms to prevent misuse of authority and ensure equitable treatment for all stakeholders.
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