ISLAMABAD: In a landmark development, the Commissionerate of Anti-Benami Initiative (ABI) in Islamabad has successfully seized its first benami properties under the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 2017. The confiscated assets include two corner plots—Plot No. 168-A (816 sq. yards) and Plot No. 174-A (991 sq. yards)—located in Block H of the Pakistan Employees Cooperative Housing Society (PECHS).
Following a detailed investigation triggered by a complaint, authorities found that the listed owner of the properties was not registered with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and denied any knowledge of the assets. The alleged benamidar claimed her CNIC had been misused for property registration.
A reference was submitted to the Benami Adjudicating Authority Bench-I in Islamabad, which ruled in favor of the ABI’s Zone-I. The authority ordered the confiscation of the properties, which has now been carried out with the assistance of local law enforcement. Ownership has been officially transferred to the federal government.
This action marks a significant achievement in the government’s ongoing crackdown on benami assets, which intensified with the establishment of three dedicated Anti-Benami Zones in July 2019. Since then, over 187 references have been filed involving various asset types, including land, bank accounts, shares, and vehicles.
ABI Zone-I Islamabad has been particularly active, covering regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Rawalpindi Civil Division, and the Islamabad Capital Territory. The latest confiscation is seen as a vital step toward curbing white-collar crime, uncovering untaxed wealth, and boosting state resources.
The news has been copied from the dailyausaf site.
