The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has unearthed an alleged conspiracy to cause a loss of crores of rupees to the state by leasing valuable government land in Okara district at rates far below the market value. A well-organized group is involved in the scheme, allegedly operating in collusion with corrupt officials.
An FIA team from the Faisalabad circle on Monday exposed a nexus between private individuals and some employees of the Evacuee Trust Property Board. The group is accused of using the name “Kissan Ittehad” to lease the valuable federal government property at nominal prices with the connivance of the department’s staff.
Investigations revealed that the state-owned land was being leased for approximately Rs 45,000 to Rs 50,000 per acre annually. This amount is in stark contrast to the estimated market value of nearby agricultural land, which is reported to be around Rs 300,000 annually.
In connection with the case, the FIA has taken four individuals into custody: Patwari Muhammad Farooq, and citizens Muhammad Afzal, Muhammad Yasin, and Muhammad Mushtaq.
According to agency sources, the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are conducting raids to apprehend other absconding members believed to be part of this illegal operation, while further questioning continues.