Daily Times

The ‘favoritism’ and ‘nepotism’ is on the rise in the Capital Development Authority (CDA) as the top civic agency of the capital has sold out a precious plot at very less rates, inflicting a loss of approximately Rs 10 billion to the national exchequer, Daily Times has learnt reliably.

According to the information available with Daily Times, the CDA sold a piece peace of located in the New Blue Area on September 23 at price which was even less than the reserve price. The plot number 22 in the New Blue Area was sold against Rs 1.15 million per square metre while the market worth of this piece of land is Rs 2.2 million per square metre, as plot number 22-A adjacent to it was recently sold at Rs 1.8 million per square metre.

The sources said that CDA high-ups sold the plot at much lesser rates to favour some blue-eyed persons. The plot has reportedly not been handed over to the owner so far. Reports said that after severe reservations by some officials and investors, the CDA high-ups are planning to ‘regularise’ the anomalies in the auction of treh said plot. A CDA board meeting has been reportedly scheduled for today to find a ‘way-out’, as the plot has been auctioned on a price even less than the reserve price. Source said the CDA is planning to lower the reserve price of the plot by changes in the documents.

The controversial auction of plot has inflicted a loss of approximately Rs 10 billion to the national exchequers. “This has not only caused a huge loss to the national exchequer but also a big embarrassment for the civic body,” said a CDA senior official wishing anonymity.

Daily Times also talked to some investors who have participated in the recent auction of plot, who said that the plot should be retrieved and be put in the auction being scheduled in upcoming December.

When contacted, CDA spokesperson Mr Asim said that it’s the matter related to Estate Wing and that he is totally unaware of the issue. “I am a public relations person and the issue you are asking is not in my knowledge,” he said. He also suggested this scribe to approach the CDA Chairman Office to file a ‘complaint’ regarding the issue or get any information about it. However, despite repeated attempts, CDA Chairman Amir Ali Ahmed could not be reached.