Suspicious transactions: Court freezes 4,361-kanal land of private housing society in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: The Accountability Court No. II Peshawar has ordered the freezing of over 4,361 kanals of land linked to a private company in a major corruption investigation initiated by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

According to the court order dated June 16, 2025, the properties belong to M/s Lifestyle Development (SMC) Pvt Ltd.

The order confirms the freezing of immovable properties reportedly acquired through suspicious financial transactions and potentially illegal means, resulting in a massive financial scam.

Special Prosecutor Hizar Hayat Khan and NAB’s Investigation Officer Adnan Hafeez Abbasi submitted a petition to court for confirmation of the earlier freezing order of DG NAB KP on June 11, 2025, which was approved after review of the inquiry record.

The court found sufficient grounds indicating that the accused parties may have been involved in illegal transactions and corruption, and thus issued orders to freeze the assets, which span multiple tehsils, including Chamkani, Shahalam, and Mathra, of Peshawar district.

The court ordered freezing company’s 585 kanals in Budhni (Chamkani), 539 kanals in Mian Gujar, 236 kanals in Sahabai, 2,904 kanals in Panam Dehri, and 96 kanals in Ghaji Kanda Khel areas.

The court also strictly prohibited any sale, purchase, transfer, or mortgage of these properties, and appointed the deputy commissioner of Peshawar as the official receiver, directing him to ensure formal possession and entry into relevant records.

The revenue department has also been instructed to comply with the court’s orders in letter and spirit to prevent any illegal disposal of assets.

NAB investigation reveals that, without acquiring land, Rs6.2 billion were illegally collected from applicants for the establishment of a housing society.