Daily Times

LAHORE: Affectees of Bahria Town F Sector Lahore are receiving threats from the management of Bahria Town Chairman Malik Riaz for raising voice against him over not allotting and giving possession of their plots for the last couple of years.

This was said by a large number of affectees while talking to Daily Times. They said that “we have purchased files after launching and paid all dues on time as per agreement but even after more than three years, Bahria Town administration has not yet given the possession of our plots and have not even allotted a plot number”.

“Threats were given by a human resource manager and security head Col (r) Ali and another administration staff member Brigadier (r) Ashraf,” they said, adding that they were asked by the administration to not hold protests next time otherwise they would have to face serious consequences.

“We were asked to backoff from our protest otherwise our name could be included among the missing person’s list,” they said.

Replying to a query, they said that as everyone knows Malik Riaz is not only a property tycoon but he is also a land grabber, also keeps influence in politics and even in police department due to his wealth. That was the actual reason the police was avoiding taking any action related to Bahria Town case, they told.

One of the affectees said, “Instead of supporting our stance and provide legal help, inversely a Deputy Supintenden Police of the respective area threatened us but in a polite way by saying that you could not Malik Riaz so please avoid holding protest because I’m your well wisher.”

According to affectees, their total land is being made around 130 kanals worth Rs 806 million approximately. They said that when they were given files at that time the worth of a 10 marla plot was Rs 3.1 million, five marla plot worth Rs 2.4 million and one kanal plot was Rs 6.2 million. Now the prices of all these plots have been increased but “we are much confused that if we will be paid by Bahria Town, how much amount they will consider paying us”.

According to details, two weeks ago, around 200-250 affectees staged a protest in front of Bahria Town office, Lahore resulting in a dialogue with Malik as two negotiation meetings were held, one with the administration and one with Malik. They said that around 1,000-1,500 people are victim of this scam, who are still awaiting taking possession of their lands.

One interesting fact is that the management has made strict checking before entering the office of Bahria Town after repeatedly staging a protest for getting their rights. Some sources said that checking has been made very strict after giving an order from high authority which could be Malik, that he will fire from duty if an affectee managed to enter his office next time. A list of protesters was also prepared and entrance was strictly prohibited for those affectees without getting permission from the high authority. Now, no one can enter into the office without presenting his/her CNIC.

Published in Daily Times, May 23^rd 2018.