LDA faces major corruption crackdown in Lahore

LAHORE: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) is facing a sweeping accountability drive as the Punjab government and Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) move to identify officials and employees allegedly involved in corruption, illegal construction, bogus allotments and manipulation of official records.

Documents obtained by Minute Mirror indicate that authorities have been directed to compile lists of officials within 48 hours as part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s stated zero-tolerance policy against corruption.

Sources familiar with the proceedings said the ACE, working with LDA’s internal vigilance mechanism, is examining allegations involving illegal constructions, de-sealing of properties, questionable allotments, bribery, abuse of authority and alleged tampering with records.

“The instructions are clear. No one will be spared. Lists must be ready in two days and action will follow immediately,” a senior official familiar with the proceedings told Minute Mirror on condition of anonymity.

Rs875m Johar Town case under scrutiny

One of the major cases being examined involves an alleged Rs875 million plot-exemption controversy in Johar Town.

According to documents reviewed by Minute Mirror, an inquiry under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act 2006 has been completed. The inquiry committee, headed by an LDA additional director general, reportedly held former Director Housing-VII Muazzam Rasheed responsible for the alleged illegal allotment of seven commercial plots.

The inquiry alleges that a Supreme Court order of March 31, 2021 was misinterpreted in the process, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs875 million.

Although Rasheed has retired, the inquiry officer has reportedly recommended dismissal within the applicable legal period. Proceedings have also been initiated against several other officials, including Sabtain Raza Qureshi, Muhammad Irfan, Muhammad Babar Akram and Rai Shah Jahan.

The allegations and recommendations remain subject to the relevant departmental and legal processes.

Rs300m bogus allotment case

Another investigation concerns alleged bogus allotments involving three prime Johar Town plots, with a reported value of around Rs300 million.

Four LDA officials were suspended following orders attributed to DG LDA Tahir Farooq. They include Deputy Director Sabtain Raza Qureshi, Deputy Directors IT Syed Jehanzaib-ul-Hasan and Imran Akhtar, and Personal Secretary Sarfraz Khokhar.

ACE and the LDA IT Cell have also initiated a forensic examination of computerized records. Officials are reportedly reviewing back-dated entries and have blocked access to certain computerized files pending verification.

Initial findings allegedly indicate that more than 100 plots appear in the computerized system without corresponding physical records. Authorities are expected to determine whether these discrepancies resulted from technical errors, record-management failures or deliberate manipulation.

Bribery allegations trigger arrests

The Town Planning Wing is another major focus of the crackdown, particularly allegations concerning illegal commercial construction and approval of building plans.

ACE reportedly arrested four officials in connection with an alleged Rs3 million bribery case involving the issuance of a completion certificate. Authorities have linked the case to an estimated Rs86 million loss.

Those named in the proceedings include Director Town Planning Salman Mahfooz, Deputy Director Taib Ali, Assistant Director Inayatullah and Clerk Ejaz Sattar.

Further action is reportedly being considered against officials accused of facilitating de-sealing, misusing authority and violating approved building plans.

Illegal housing schemes targeted

LDA’s Metropolitan Planning Directorate has also intensified operations against allegedly illegal housing schemes.

More than 14 schemes have reportedly faced sealing or demolition operations, including developments in the Al-Kabir Garden area, Ammar Avenue and locations around Manhala Road and Chapa Village Road.

LDA has warned against sale and purchase transactions involving properties in the affected schemes. Authorities are also working to update official records identifying illegal developments.

Meanwhile, ACE is reportedly compiling information about field staff, patwaris and other officials allegedly accused of facilitating illegal developments or alerting private developers before enforcement operations.

New safeguards for property buyers

Alongside enforcement action, LDA has introduced additional verification measures for property transactions.

PLRA QR-coded property certificates have been made mandatory for plot transfers and sales within LDA limits, according to officials. Buyers have been advised to verify the property’s status, check objections and obtain the required NOC through the relevant LDA channels before completing a transaction.

Officials say the objective is to reduce fraud, strengthen record verification and protect citizens from disputed or unauthorized property deals.

A wider accountability drive

The developments at LDA form part of the Punjab government’s broader anti-corruption campaign.

Officials said transfers, removals and changes in assignments were being considered in departments where employees face serious allegations or pending inquiries. Internal and external audit findings are also being compared with ACE investigations.

Authorities have stressed that action will be taken without discrimination, but allegations against individuals must ultimately be established through due process.

With multiple inquiries, suspensions, arrests and departmental proceedings underway, the coming days could prove significant for LDA’s accountability process.