The Rawalpindi Development Authority has launched a comprehensive inquiry into Bahria Town Housing Scheme Phase 8 following serious complaints from allottees over delayed possession of plots, some pending since 2004. The directive was issued by RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza during a formal hearing at the authority’s headquarters, marking a decisive regulatory intervention in one of the city’s largest private housing schemes.

The meeting was attended by senior RDA officials, representatives of Bahria Town Phase 8 and affected allottees. During the hearing, residents detailed prolonged delays in plot possession and alleged that the housing scheme administration demanded an additional payment of Rs 1.1 million without legal justification. Concerns were also raised about unprofessional conduct by certain officials and the sale of plots without a valid no objection certificate.

Taking a strong stance, the RDA chief questioned Bahria Town officials on the timeline for handing over possession and sought written explanations regarding disputed deductions. In view of the seriousness of the allegations, she ordered immediate legal action, including the initiation of prosecutions and registration of first information reports against those found responsible.

Ms Murtaza reaffirmed that safeguarding public rights remains the RDA’s foremost priority and warned that no housing scheme would be allowed to operate outside the legal and regulatory framework. She said strict monitoring of all societies would continue to ensure compliance and transparency.

Highlighting broader enforcement efforts, the DG said that 143 fake housing schemes in Rawalpindi had already been identified and eliminated. She added that marketing of illegal schemes on social media had been shut down and a QR code verification system for approved housing society files had been introduced to protect investors.

She further noted that investigations into other controversial schemes, including University Town, were ongoing with the involvement of NAB and FIA. Regarding Bahria Town Phase 8, she confirmed that NAB investigations were already underway and stated that the RDA retains the authority to take over the scheme if required to protect public interest.