Authorities have detained the developer behind Theme Park, a controversial housing project constructed on the Ravi River’s floodplain. The scheme was entirely submerged during recent floods, highlighting the risks of unauthorized riverbed construction.
The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) confirmed on Wednesday that the project’s owner, Khushi Muhammad, had unlawfully developed the scheme on approximately 12,000 kanals of river land. Residents reportedly purchased plots through deceptive practices, unaware that the development lacked official approvals.
Project Built Without Legal Clearance, Residents Left Vulnerable
According to ACE officials, Theme Park never met legal standards, including basic infrastructure like sewage systems. Because the settlement sat entirely within the river’s natural course, all homes were inundated during last week’s flooding.
“The society was built without any authorization from the relevant authorities,” a spokesperson said. ACE is now coordinating with the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to review other housing schemes along the river, signaling that more illegal projects could face action.
Developer Exploited Loopholes to Expand Scheme
Sources revealed that Khushi Muhammad was previously a police constable. He initially started the Theme Park project on a small tract but gradually expanded it by exploiting regulatory loopholes to secure additional riverbed land. Reports suggest he transferred billions of rupees abroad, raising further concerns about financial irregularities.
Unlike most fraudulent housing cases, which are typically handled by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), this investigation was taken up first by ACE due to the project’s significant public risk and environmental implications.
Authorities Crack Down on Riverbed Encroachments
ACE emphasized that construction on river land is strictly prohibited, and existing unauthorized projects could also face penalties. Officials say the move aims to prevent future environmental and human hazards associated with unregulated housing schemes.