MM News

ISLAMABAD: An influential patwari (revenue officer) is involved in corruption activities worth millions of rupees allegedly in connivance with the district administration.

Shahzad, who is a patwari in Tarnol on the outskirts of the federal capital, has started scrutiny of important documents at the Patwarkhana (an office for revenue officials) while the munshi (lower revenue officers) are issuing mutation orders (Fard-e-Intiqal) and receiving millions is underhand payments.

Mutation (Fard-e-Intiqal) is a document containing an order by a revenue officer who must be at least an Assistant Collector of Grade III, whereby an entry in the record of rights is to be altered, changed or mutated in revenue record.

A citizen named Faisal has alleged he was asked Rs 20,000 while another named Imran was asked Rs5000 for mutation orders (Fard-e-Intiqal). Many others visiting the office have complained that there are eight munshi present demanding bribes and they are completely helpless.

They also alleged that lands are being bought at lower rates and then sold at exorbitant amounts. The munshis stamp the documents with fake seals and signatures, whereas patwari Shehzad is not present in his office and misbehaves with other officials.

After a telephonic conversation with well-informed sources, it was revealed that Shehzad personally delivers mutation orders to the owners of housing societies. He also holds meetings with them and discusses other matters at a private location.

Citizens have demanded that an inquiry should be conducted in the assets of the patwaris and munshis. The owners of housing societies give orders to them on telephone calls while the issues of ordinary citizens remain unresolved.