ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works has directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to investigate allegations concerning the inclusion of Shamilaat and forest land within the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority’s (FGEHA) Sky Gardens housing scheme, also known as Green Enclave-II, in Bhara Kahu.
The committee reviewed the scheme’s land ownership, previous approvals and decisions by revenue authorities during its meeting, with members seeking clarification over the legal status of land incorporated into the housing project.
Land Status Comes Under Investigation
The NAB inquiry will examine whether Shamilaat, or communal land, and forest land were included in the housing scheme through a legally valid process.
The issue is significant because land falling under these classifications can be subject to specific legal and regulatory restrictions. Any change in its status or use for residential development generally requires the relevant legal and administrative procedures to be followed.
The committee’s directive does not establish wrongdoing. NAB’s investigation is intended to determine the facts, and no final findings have been reported at this stage.
Previous Dispute Over Shamilaat Land
Sky Gardens has previously faced questions over the status of land within the scheme. Development on approximately 2,600 kanals had reportedly been halted amid a dispute concerning whether portions of the land were classified as Shamilaat.
The latest committee proceedings broaden the matter by bringing forest land into the scope of the investigation alongside the existing questions surrounding communal land.
FGEHA Also Briefs Committee on Encroachments
During the same meeting, FGEHA provided updates on anti-encroachment operations in several Islamabad sectors, including F-12, G-12, G-14 and G-15.
The discussion placed the Sky Gardens land issue within a wider review of FGEHA’s land management and enforcement activities in its housing schemes.
Implications for Sky Gardens
The investigation adds another layer to the ongoing land-related questions surrounding Sky Gardens. However, the eventual impact on the housing scheme will depend on the findings of the inquiry and any subsequent decisions by the relevant authorities or courts.
Current and prospective members should therefore verify the specific location, land status and applicable approvals for any plot or block they are considering. Particular attention may be required where property falls within areas subject to the ongoing investigation.
NAB has yet to announce findings from the newly directed probe, while the timeline for completing the investigation has not been disclosed.
