RAWALPINDI IMTISAL BUKHARI
The victims of University Town Rawalpindi have strongly condemned the Rawalpindi Development Authority’s (RDA) sudden shift in stance during a pre-arrest bail hearing at the Lahore High Court, Rawalpindi Bench. They termed RDA’s request to delay the arrest of the main accused as a blatant example of land mafia support and a serious blow to justice.
During the July 30, 2025 hearing, RDA requested the court not to arrest the accused, while the investigation officer also stated he had no intention to arrest them. The victims described this as collusion between RDA and the police, calling it a severe breach of law and public trust.
The affected parties revealed that thousands of investors were defrauded through fake master plans, forged maps, and deceptive documents. Millions were extorted through unapproved utility charges, LPG connections, and excessive development fees — none of which were authorized by RDA. Substandard development was carried out without approved service designs, while RDA remained silent.
Victims also accused MP&TE and land branch officials of facilitating illegal activities in return for financial benefits and failing to take legal action. They alleged that a fake NOC was issued for University Town and that even 20% mortgaged plots were illegally sold, without any bank guarantee in RDA’s possession.
Shockingly, despite the registration of FIR No. 597/25 on March 18, 2025 (under sections 420, 468, and 471), and the cancellation of bail for main accused Abdul Aziz Khan (CEO) and Jameel Ahmad (Director Admin) on May 7, the police failed to arrest them and instead allegedly assisted in their escape. Victims expressed dismay that during the July 30 hearing, RDA completely changed its legal position, resulting in relief for the land mafia.
The role of the Secretary of Housing, Urban Development & Public Health Engineering (HUD & PHE) also came under scrutiny. Victims recalled that on June 16, 2025, the Secretary had promised to hold the town management accountable if their issues weren’t resolved, but they now consider it an empty assurance.
Victims expressed outrage over HUD & PHE’s silence and called it criminal negligence. They demanded an independent judicial inquiry into the roles of RDA, the police, MP&TE, and land officers. They also called for a high-level review of the Secretary HUD & PHE’s performance, the return of illegal charges, and the immediate handover of legally owned plots.
The victims emphasized the need to protect overseas Pakistanis’ investments, warning that the future of thousands of families is at stake. They urged the Chief Minister Punjab, Chief Secretary, Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, and Chairman NAB to take immediate notice of the situation to ensure justice and eradicate corruption.
