Investigators probing the Islamabad Cooperative Housing Society (ICHS) scandal have uncovered what officials describe as one of the biggest housing frauds in Pakistan’s history after discovering that nearly 36,000 plot files were allegedly issued illegally despite the society lacking enough land to support them.
Sources familiar with the investigation being conducted by the National Accountability Bureau Rawalpindi Islamabad told local media that the housing society’s approved Layout Plan and available land bank only allowed for around 6,000 plot files.
However, investigators alleged that former office bearers and facilitators issued nearly 42,000 files, creating a massive difference between the available land and promised allotments.
Thousands of Plot Files Found Illegal
According to officials involved in the inquiry, around 36,000 plot files issued by the Islamabad Cooperative Housing Society have so far been identified as illegal, unsupported, or excessive.
Investigators said the findings raised serious concerns about alleged fraud, abuse of authority, and mismanagement spanning several years.
Officials revealed that payment records and allotment documentation for thousands of files are either incomplete or entirely missing.
They added that many citizens were allegedly sold plot files against land that either did not exist, lacked legal approval, or was never properly documented within the society’s official records.
Sources stated that the huge discrepancy between the society’s land bank and the number of issued files suggests that fake, duplicate, and excessive files may have been systematically used to collect billions of rupees from the public.
Financial Irregularities Exceed Rs16 Billion
Investigators have so far detected financial irregularities exceeding Rs16 billion in the case.
However, officials warned that the amount could rise significantly as scrutiny of financial transactions and property records continues.
Sources said different investigation teams are currently examining separate aspects of the alleged fraud, including land transfers, file issuance, bank transactions, and the role of facilitators linked to the scheme.
The inquiry is also focusing on tracing financial trails connected to the sale of illegal plot files and identifying additional beneficiaries of the alleged scam.
Officials believe the case may expand further as more evidence emerges during the ongoing investigation.
NAB Arrests Seven Suspects
The National Accountability Bureau confirmed that seven suspects connected to the former management committee and a land dealing company have been arrested in connection with the Islamabad housing scam.
Those taken into custody include former Secretary General Mehdi Khan Shakir, former Treasurer Malik Muhammad Nawaz, and former Executive Member Muhammad Arshad.
Authorities also arrested four individuals associated with Land Stock Dealing Point Company, including Munir Akhtar, Ali Mahmood, Yameen Malik, and Ghulam Jillani.
Officials said the arrests were made after investigators gathered preliminary evidence linking the suspects to alleged irregularities in plot file issuance and land dealings.
Accountability Court Grants Physical Remand
Meanwhile, the Accountability Court Islamabad granted the National Accountability Bureau a seven day physical remand of the accused.
The remand will allow investigators to continue questioning the suspects, recover documentary evidence, trace financial transactions, and identify additional individuals allegedly involved in the fraud.
Officials said the investigation teams are examining the role of people linked to the society’s administration, financial operations, and land management systems.
Sources added that more arrests are expected as the inquiry progresses and additional evidence surfaces.
Public Concerns Grow Over Housing Scams
The latest revelations have intensified concerns regarding oversight and regulation within Pakistan’s housing sector, where thousands of citizens invest their savings in residential schemes.
Legal experts say the case highlights the need for stricter monitoring of cooperative housing societies and stronger protections for buyers against fraudulent practices.
Housing scams involving fake plot files and unapproved land have repeatedly surfaced in different cities across Pakistan, causing significant financial losses to the public.
Officials involved in the investigation said efforts are underway to complete the probe quickly while ensuring accountability for those allegedly responsible for the scam.