ISLAMABAD – A major land scam has surfaced in Islamabad after a federal audit revealed that the Jinnah Garden Housing Society illegally sold 200 kanals of land worth an estimated Rs2 billion.
The Audit Report 2024-25 stated that land meant for schools, parks, playgrounds, and graveyards was unlawfully converted into residential plots and sold, in violation of the CDA Ordinance 1960 and the Islamabad Zoning Regulations.
The report also pointed out that the housing society carried out development work without securing a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Even more concerning, plots that had been mortgaged in the CDA’s name were also sold to buyers.
Despite clear violations, the CDA did not take enforcement action or impose fines, which led to an additional financial loss of Rs25.48 million.
In defense, the CDA informed auditors that the matter is sub judice before the Islamabad High Court, while the Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC) has directed the CDA to share with auditors the same details it presented before the court.
The revelations highlight persistent irregularities in Islamabad’s housing societies, raising concerns about unchecked violations and lack of accountability in urban planning and land management.