Role in encroachments: FIA investigates CDA officials

The investigating agency has started grilling alleged facilitators in government departments including the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

In April 2014, the interior ministry had ordered to determine lapses and responsibilities on behalf of officials who served the CDA’s Katchi Abadi Cell and its Enforcement Wing from 2007 to 2013.

Following the directives, the FIA Islamabad Anti-Corruption Circle initiated an inquiry into illegal encroachments in Muslim Colony, Bari Imam. The colony, also known as Model Village Noorpur Shahan, is located four kilometres northeast of the Diplomatic Enclave.

Some 15 Enforcement Directorate officials were asked to appear in person to record their statements and for enquiry proceedings.

Of the 15 officials, 14 appeared before the FIA to record their personal statements on June 26.

The CDA officials under investigation include three assistant directors, three inspectors, two sub-inspectors, two supervisors, and five acting supervisors. Inspector Imranullah failed to appear before the FIA as he is currently on leave and has reportedly gone to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.

“During the last five years, hundreds of four-wall structures sprung up in Muslim Colony. Many of these officials are believed to have facilitated these encroachments,” said a senior CDA Administration Wing official.

Muslim Colony is one of the 10 recognised katchi abadis across Islamabad, the residents of which were supposed to be relocated to Farash Town under the Model Urban Shelter Project.

In the past, residents of this slum were given 829 residential plots in Farash Town under the relocation plan, but after getting the plots, the residents refused to move out.

After the abadi was given the status of a recognised settlement, locals started illegal sale and purchase of land. Moreover, many influential land grabbers erected mud and wood structures and began renting them out.

According to a survey conducted by the Islamabad Police, the CDA and ICT Administration, there are at least 24 katchi abadis in total, 21 of which are located in urban areas of the capital. A total of 13,521 families comprising 84,591 individuals are living in these slums.

The police survey says that during the last five years, the Islamabad Police traced 674 criminal cases to these slums.

According to the survey, Muslim Colony is known as a den of drug dealers.

A CDA spokesperson confirmed the development and said that the investigation agency would be facilitated at every level in terms of provision of record and personal appearance of its officers before investigators.

He said the CDA officers had appeared personally before the investigators and would be treated as innocent until proven guilty and would perform their duties as usual.

Meanwhile, the FIA also registered a separate FIR against two former CDA HRD Wing assistant directors and a former administration wing director after it was proven that they facilitated the regularisation of three low-grade employees at the authority in 2008 by using forged documents.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 30^th, 2014.