ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges issued a strong reprimand to the Capital Development Authority for alleged illegal plot transfers, raising serious concerns over the credibility of the authority’s internal procedures. Chaired by Senator Waqar Mehdi, the meeting reviewed key matters involving the Capital Development Authority, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, the Federal Board of Revenue and cases linked to the misuse of government titles by former officials.
During the proceedings, lawmakers repeatedly questioned how a single plot changed hands multiple times without proper verification. Senator Rubina Khalid highlighted the alarming fact that one property was transferred five times inside the Capital Development Authority office without documented scrutiny. Officials failed to provide a convincing explanation, prompting the committee to ask who would protect the fifth buyer in such a flawed system. It was also revealed that several farmhouses under investigation are valued at nearly Rs1.5 billion, with many cases currently pending in court.
Senator Palwasha Khan criticised the lack of institutional credibility and urged the committee to refer all fraudulent allotment cases to the National Accountability Bureau. The Capital Development Authority chairman stated that the authority is prepared to provide complete documentation and will fully cooperate if the matter is handed over. The committee also discussed the disappearance of a land file in Sector I 10 and expressed concern over the hardships caused to the affected citizen due to official negligence.
Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa briefed the committee on ongoing reforms, noting that land records are being scanned and digitised through the Punjab Land Revenue Authority. He stated that corrupt officials have been referred to the Federal Investigation Agency and assured that the authority will comply with all judicial directives. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority also presented updates on actions taken against unlawful online content targeting the Sindhi community.
The Federal Board of Revenue submitted its report on the transfer and posting of Customs officers in Balochistan. According to the report, several officers were removed after intelligence suggested involvement in smuggling facilitation. The department explained that transfers remain the most practical method of action due to the limited availability of concrete evidence in anti smuggling operations, with additional transfers expected in the coming days.
The committee further reviewed concerns involving former Planning Commission official Dr Nadeemul Haque, who was fined following a harassment conviction but continues publishing articles using past government titles. The Planning Commission described this behaviour as misleading and damaging to institutional integrity. Concluding the session, senators expressed concern over the recent abduction and murder case of Musavir Khan Kakar in Quetta. Senator Waqar Mehdi reaffirmed that transparency and accountability remain central priorities and directed all institutions to provide full records while safeguarding public interest.
