RAWALPINDI: A nephew of Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, along with several officials of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RBC), is allegedly patronizing several illegal constructions in the city, it has been learnt.
The Shafiq Cafe outside the famous Lal Haveli residence of the federal minister in Raja Bazaar has been built illegally. The map outline for the building, along with twenty others under construction, was approved after paying hefty bribes to the RBC inspector.
Well-informed sources said Sheikh Shafiq, a nephew of the railway minister, is responsible for authorising the illegal constructions in the area. Apart from Raja Bazaar, these illegal activities are also ongoing in the adjoining Qasai street.
Illegal constructions are rampant in the Cantt. area and other parts of the city as the RBC inspectors approve map outlines after receiving heavy underhand payments. The Transfer Price (TP) tax of these buildings has also not been paid causing immense loss to the national exchequer.
Sheikh Rashid Ahmed is highly influential in the area due to which Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) officials are reluctant in taking action. These illegal constructions are also affecting the reputation of the government which has vowed action against the powerful builder mafia in the city.
ADVERTISEMENT
