31, July 2o25
By: Rana Malhi
ISLAMABAD
Thousands of residents and plot holders of the University Town housing scheme in Rawalpindi, have accused the scheme’s management of decades-long fraud and deception.
Victims say that despite making full payments, they have been denied possession, infrastructure, and basic services, while regulatory bodies like the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) and the Punjab Housing Department have remained silent spectators.
According to the affected individuals, the housing scheme sold plots using forged master plans, fake maps, and unauthorised documents.
Millions of rupees were allegedly collected illegally under various heads including utility charges, LPG connections, and extra development fees, none of which were approved by the RDA. Despite repeated complaints and protests, no action has been taken.
Victims further allege that the limited development work carried out on-site was substandard and executed without proper design approvals. RDA’s relevant wings, including the MP&TE and Land Branch, allegedly facilitated these violations in exchange for financial gains.
They also point out that the society was issued a questionable No Objection Certificate (NoC), and that mortgaged plots meant to serve as development guarantees were illegally sold without any bank guarantee held by the RDA.
Overseas Pakistanis, senior citizens, and middle-class families who invested their life savings in the scheme say they have been left devastated, with no facilities and no justice.
Victims speak
Kainaat, an affected plot holder in University Town, said, “The management has been fooling us for 32 years. We paid the full amount but still have no possession. They promised development and facilities, but nothing has been delivered. Instead, they joined hands with RDA and continue to deceive us. We have lost all trust in the authorities.”
She added that many elderly people invested their pensions in the scheme. “We sold our jewellery, our cars, everything just to secure a home. Now we are running between government offices and staging protests, but no one hears us.”
Siddique ur Rehman, another victim, said, “I booked my plot in 2007. We paid all charges and the management promised possession on demand. It has been nearly two decades, but we have nothing. Our voices are ignored by everyone, from the developers to the government departments.”
Ayaz Akbar, also an allottee, said, “After paying the full amount, the developer promised possession within three years. It has been 15 years now. Thousands of people are suffering, yet no one is being held accountable.”
Arshad Hussain Zalmi, a plot holder and representative of the rights movement for the affectees, said the issue has grown beyond a housing scam. “This is not just about plots anymore, it is about accountability, transparency, and public trust. Thousands of families, including overseas Pakistanis, have been robbed of their investments and their dignity.” He questioned the role of RDA and the government. “Why was a NoC granted to such a fraudulent scheme? Why were mortgaged plots sold illegally? Where are the facilities, mosques, parks, schools, greenbelts, and graveyards? Why were service designs approved without verifying the developer’s engineering team, which includes a diploma-holder not even registered with PEC?” He added, “RDA has acted like a post office, merely forwarding complaints but taking no action. People trusted this scheme because of the RDA-issued NoC. Why is there no protection now?”
Victims’ Demands
Immediate possession of legal plots and refund of all illegal charges. Transparent and independent inquiry into the roles of RDA, MP&TE, Land Branch, and other officials involved. Accountability for the Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering (HUD & PHE) Department for its silence and inaction. Government protection for overseas Pakistanis’ investments, which are at risk due to official negligence.
RDA Stance
When contacted, Director General of Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Kinza Murtaza, stated that strict action is being taken against the responsible individuals in accordance with the law, and no leniency will be shown. According to the RDA spokesperson, the University Town Housing Scheme case is currently under investigation and is also being heard in the Honourable High Court. The RDA has granted the scheme’s owners and accused parties a three-month deadline to submit the required transfer deeds and mortgage deeds, of which only one month has passed so far. The spokesperson clarified that, as per legal procedure, police cannot arrest any accused individuals until the completion of this legal grace period. However, the RDA is not extending any undue benefit to the accused, and strict action will be taken under the law to ensure the protection of public interest.