Illegal Housing Scam Exposed as Theme Park Owner Arrested

Authorities in Lahore have intensified their crackdown on fraudulent real estate ventures after arresting the owner of Theme Park, an illegal housing scheme built inside the Ravi riverbed. The keyword illegal housing scam has not only cost citizens billions but also put lives at risk as recent floods submerged the entire colony.

Owner Arrested After Flood Disaster

The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) arrested Khushi Muhammad, the man behind the controversial housing project. According to officials, he illegally acquired 12,000 kanals of land inside the Ravi bed and sold plots to unsuspecting buyers.

The scheme collapsed last week when floods swept through the area, submerging homes and exposing the fraudulent development. ACE’s spokesperson confirmed that Muhammad failed to follow legal procedures, neglected to set up a sewage system, and deceived citizens into investing in unsafe land.

ACE Expands Investigation

Following the arrest, ACE sought detailed records of all housing projects built on the Ravi riverbed from the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and the Lahore Development Authority (LDA). Officials pledged strict legal action against any such schemes found violating safety and environmental standards.

“Theme Park was never approved by relevant departments,” an ACE statement said. “We will not allow construction on river land under any circumstances. Indiscriminate action will follow against all illegal housing schemes already established.”

From Constable to Property Tycoon

Sources revealed that Muhammad was once a police constable before launching his real estate venture. Starting with a small piece of land, he expanded the project by exploiting loopholes in the system and bribing officials.

Over time, he acquired more riverbed land and sold it to citizens, transferring billions of rupees abroad. His rise reflects how unchecked corruption allowed individuals to exploit land meant to remain uninhabited due to flood risks.

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A Test for the Punjab Government

Observers believe the case will test Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s resolve. The scandal has exposed not only the housing scheme owners but also senior bureaucrats who enabled illegal approvals.

An official source remarked, “The real test is whether the government takes firm action against powerful individuals behind this mega corruption scam or bows to political pressure.”

NAB’s Role Under Scrutiny

Traditionally, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) investigates fraudulent housing societies. However, in this case, ACE acted first. This raises questions about why NAB delayed action, especially when fraudulent housing scams have caused repeated losses to citizens across Punjab.

Critics argue that accountability institutions must coordinate better to prevent similar disasters. The case also highlights gaps in urban planning and regulation, where illegal colonies often thrive with political protection.

Aleem Khan’s Past Controversy

The issue brings renewed focus on Federal Minister for Communication Aleem Khan, president of the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party. In 2023, NAB closed an inquiry against him regarding alleged encroachments and illegal extensions of River Edge Housing Society in Lahore and Park View in Islamabad.

NAB had previously alleged that Khan illegally sold plots in unapproved areas despite objections from the LDA, which declared the land unsafe for housing due to its proximity to the Ravi. Despite warnings, sales continued, reflecting how powerful figures manipulated regulations.

Floods Expose the Risks

This year’s monsoon floods revealed the human cost of such fraudulent schemes. In Lahore, thousands lost homes and businesses when water entered illegal societies and informal settlements near the Ravi.

The Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project, spanning 46 km, was meant to modernize the region. Instead, it has seen encroachments and illegal developments mushroom under weak oversight. Residents now face both financial and personal losses, with many unable to recover their investments.

Public Outcry for Justice

Victims of the Theme Park scheme and other fraudulent projects have called for accountability. They argue that not only should the scheme’s owner face punishment, but also the officials who approved or ignored illegal construction.

Legal experts insist that cases like these require tougher laws, stricter enforcement, and transparent urban planning. Without reform, they warn, the cycle of scams will continue, leaving more citizens vulnerable.

The Way Forward

Authorities now face mounting pressure to act decisively. ACE has promised to pursue all developers involved in illegal housing scams along the Ravi and elsewhere in Punjab. Observers believe the outcome will set an important precedent for tackling corruption in the housing sector.

For now, citizens who invested in Theme Park remain uncertain about compensation. Their losses serve as a grim reminder of what happens when fraudulent real estate projects are allowed to flourish unchecked.