Allegations of financial irregularities exceeding Rs20 billion in Jinnah Garden, along with 44 pending Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) inquiries, have raised concerns among residents and affected allottees of several Islamabad housing societies. At a press conference held at the National Press Club, representatives called for independent investigations into alleged corruption, disputed plot allotments and the misuse of land reserved for public facilities.
A representative of Jinnah Garden Federal Employees Cooperative Housing Society, identified as Mr Majid, alleged that financial irregularities and embezzlement in the society had crossed Rs20 billion. He claimed that 44 inquiries involving the society were pending with the FIA’s CCC Wing, with some reportedly unresolved for eight to ten years. He also referred to two pending inquiries with the Cooperative Department.
The representative further claimed that an inquiry initiated by advocate Kashif Ahmed Khan and completed by the Assistant Commissioner Sadar had established 12 to 14 allegations against the society’s management. He questioned why the findings had not resulted in further action and alleged that the same management continued to hold office. These claims were presented at the press conference and were not independently verified in the report.
Another major concern involved more than 7,000 Jinnah Garden allottees who, according to the representative, had been waiting for plots for around 20 years despite making payments. He alleged that some plots had been sold to as many as five different buyers, leaving multiple people claiming rights to the same property. He also said that promises to accommodate affected allottees within three years had not been fulfilled.
Representatives from other housing schemes, including Swan Garden, Gulberg Greens, Capital Enclave, Kashmir Housing Society and The Life Residencia, also raised allegations against developers, society managements and regulators. A representative of The Life Residencia claimed that around 2,000 affected people had submitted applications to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), with the amount involved allegedly exceeding Rs5 billion. He also sought written clarification about reports of a possible plea bargain.
The press conference highlighted concerns about alleged unauthorised development and land transactions in Soan Gardens. A speaker claimed that 585 kanals had been developed and sold without a No Objection Certificate (NOC), while residents also alleged that payments were being demanded when they attempted to construct homes. These claims were among the matters raised by affected residents and require investigation by the relevant authorities.
Residents of Swan Garden also accused the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Cooperative Department of failing to protect land reserved for schools, parks, hospitals, mosques, graveyards and other public facilities. One representative said that 770 notices had been issued to residents over houses built on land described as reserved for public use. She also alleged that the CDA was considering penalties totalling Rs14 billion against residents.
Questions were also raised about alleged changes in land use, including the conversion of residential plots into commercial properties. Speakers claimed that commercial areas had expanded in some societies, placing additional pressure on roads, water supplies and other public services. They also questioned the effectiveness of monthly audits conducted by the Cooperative Department and raised concerns about society election procedures and membership fees.
The speakers called for independent investigations into the roles of housing society officials, property dealers, developers and government officers. They demanded transparent forensic audits of all housing societies, covering land ownership, plot allotments, financial records, commercial changes and management decisions. They also called for the restoration of land reserved for public facilities and fair participation of ordinary residents in society elections.
Water shortages and declining groundwater levels were another concern raised during the press conference. A representative claimed that several tube wells in Soan Garden’s H Block were extracting large quantities of water and that the water table had fallen significantly. Residents called for a scientific groundwater survey, restrictions on commercial water extraction and the construction of recharge wells to help conserve rainwater.
The affected residents demanded that allottees receive verifiable possession of their plots within three months or be compensated at current market rates if plots could not be provided. They also urged authorities to ensure that housing regulations apply equally to residents, developers, society managements and government officials.
The allegations have placed renewed attention on the oversight of Islamabad’s housing societies and the handling of complaints by the FIA, NAB, CDA and Cooperative Department. The press conference called for transparent investigations and timely action, although the claims made by the speakers require independent verification and responses from the relevant authorities.
