Misuse of 339 agriculture farms: PAC body expresses displeasure over CDA silence

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC)'s sub-committee has expressed utter displeasure over the silence of Capital Development Authority (CDA) regarding misuse of 339 agriculture farms. The committee met on Friday under the chair of convenor Shahida Akhtar Ali which examined the audit reports of the CDA.
The committee was informed the CDA had allotted 610 agro farms on 33 years lease. However, 339 farms have been used for miscellaneous purposes whereas 169 farms could not be developed. The management of CDA said that the Authority had cancelled the lease of eight farms and issued notifications to others over misuse of agriculture farms.
The committee said the farms holders in connivance with the CDA got the lease of farms extended which were being used for other purposes. The committee recommended that the Authority should vacate the farms which are violating the CDA's lease agreements otherwise the committee would refer the case to the NAB or FIA for compliance. The committee also sought details of procurement of land for development of two residential sectors. Audit report pointed out that Rs 5.6 billion were embezzled in the purchase of land.