Pakistan’s Chief Justice (CJP) has raised serious concerns about a land acquisition deal involving the Defence Housing Authority (DHA), a powerful real estate developer with ties to the Pakistan Army.
The case centres around a large plot of agricultural land in Rawalpindi acquired in 2005 by the Revenue Employees Cooperative Housing Ltd (RECHS) for its members. However, the CJP highlighted a series of “flagrant violations” of the law throughout the process.
Background on DHA:
The Defence Housing Authority (DHA) is owned and managed by the Pakistan Army. Established initially to provide housing for military personnel, DHA has grown into a vast network of upscale residential communities across Pakistan. These communities often boast superior infrastructure and amenities, making them highly desirable.
The Allegations:
According to the CJP, the RECHS land acquisition was riddled with irregularities. He questioned the authority of the then-Chief Minister to allocate the land and expressed suspicion about the motives behind the subsequent transfers. The land eventually reached the DHA for development under the project name “Askari 14 Rawalpindi.”
The CJP’s Comments:
The CJP’s remarks point towards a possible pattern of powerful individuals, including former military leader Pervez Musharraf and ex-Chief Minister Parvez Elahi, influencing land deals for personal gain. He expressed frustration, stating these individuals “have bought everything” and likened their actions to those of the East India Company, a symbol of colonial exploitation.
The Court’s Action:
The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights its commitment to upholding the law and preventing misuse of power. By ordering live proceedings, the court aims for transparency and public scrutiny of the case. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for land use regulations and the influence of military-linked entities in Pakistan.
March 21, 2024
Source: Dawn, The News International