PML-N lawmaker accused of illegal property takeover

RAWALPINDI: A resident has accused PML-N lawmaker Zia Ullah Shah of allegedly taking over a property in Rawalpindi, according to a complaint submitted during an open court session held by the city police officer.

The complaint was filed by Ayaz Khan, who said he had bought a one-kanal plot in Syedpur Scheme from its previous owners. He stated that after obtaining the required No Objection Certificate from the Rawalpindi Development Authority and securing approval for the building plan, he began construction on the site.

Complaint submitted at open court

In his application, Ayaz Khan said caretakers, including a man identified as Mudassar, were staying at the under-construction house. He alleged that 15 to 20 armed men climbed over the boundary wall, entered the premises, threatened the watchmen and forcibly took possession of the property.

He further alleged that after he informed Rescue 15 and reached the location, the armed men pointed weapons at him and stopped him from entering the house.

The complaint, submitted at the open court session conducted by the CPO, names Zia Ullah Shah in connection with the alleged occupation of the property.

Lawmaker denies allegation

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Zia Ullah Shah rejected the accusation and described it as fabricated.

The allegation was raised by the complainant before the police authorities, while the lawmaker denied wrongdoing when approached for comment.

The case centres on a property in Syedpur Scheme that the complainant says he lawfully purchased and for which he obtained the relevant regulatory clearance and construction approval before the alleged incident took place.

According to the complaint, the dispute escalated when the complainant said armed men entered the under-construction house and prevented both the caretakers and the owner from exercising control over the premises. The lawmaker, however, has denied the claim and said the allegation has no basis.