Cholistan Development Authority MD Removed Amid Land Transfer Scandal
Lahore – Naeem Iqbal, the Managing Director of the Cholistan Development Authority (CDA), has been ousted by the Chief Secretary over allegations of unlawful land transfers linked to the Nawab of Bahawalpur. Documents obtained by The News reveal a troubling situation involving the transfer of hunting land to the Nawab’s heirs, circumventing state-owned land regulations. A report from the Chief Land Commissioner of Punjab highlighted significant violations in this land transfer process, prompting Iqbal’s dismissal.
The inquiry unveiled that Iqbal and his predecessor, Rao Nadeem, alongside several tehsildars and other officials, facilitated illegal transfers of 93 land records to the descendants of the late Nawab. Iqbal oversaw 26 transfers while Nadeem managed 67. Following investigations by the Board of Revenue Punjab, the Chief Secretary ordered Iqbal’s immediate removal, and further punitive measures are expected as the inquiry progresses.
In response to the findings, Nabeel Javed, Senior Member of the Board of Revenue Punjab, has nullified the illegal transactions and initiated disciplinary action against complicit CDA officials, leading to suspensions among several staff members.
The issue has also implicated influential figures, including Sardar Usman Mian Abbasi, who asserts that the land was legitimately inherited by his family, the descendants of Nawab Sadiq Abbasi. Both Iqbal and Abbasi maintain that their actions were legal and justified, citing the formation of an "Implementation Committee" tasked with overseeing land distribution among the Nawab’s 23 heirs.
Officials confirm that a thorough review of the land transfers is ongoing, with a commitment to rectify any irregularities in accordance with Supreme Court rulings. The government aims to restore legal ownership and uphold transparency in land dealings throughout the region.
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