PESHAWAR: An investigation into the alleged illegal sale of government-owned shops and commercial properties in Peshawar has been completed, with more than 50,000 shops and business centres reportedly identified in the preliminary findings.
Sources said details of the alleged sales have been forwarded to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Anti-Corruption authorities for further action.
The properties reportedly belong to several government entities, including the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Islamia College, Pakistan Railways, Metropolitan authorities and the Auqaf Department.
According to sources, the investigation covered government-owned shops and commercial properties in several parts of Peshawar, including Chowk Yadgar, Khyber Bazaar, Khushal Bazaar, Debgari Garden and Ashraf Road.
The preliminary report identified properties that were allegedly sold for millions of rupees. Sources claimed that seven shops associated with the Islamia College building in Khyber Bazaar were allegedly sold for up to Rs10 million each.
Some shops owned by the Metropolitan authorities were reportedly sold for amounts ranging from Rs10 million to Rs100 million, while Auqaf Department properties were allegedly sold for between Rs5 million and Rs20 million.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is also conducting a separate investigation into the alleged illegal sale and transfer of government-owned shops in different parts of Peshawar, sources said.
The inquiry also identified employees of the relevant departments who were allegedly involved in negligence or illegal activities.
Sources said authorities had decided to register cases against employees found responsible and initiate legal action in accordance with the law.
The allegations and figures cited in the preliminary investigation could not be independently verified.
