What is the controversy surrounding Bahria Town Peshawar?

PESHAWAR: Bahria Town Peshawar is currently at the centre of attention for all investors, but the project’s launch has been marred by disputes right from the beginning.

On one side, a fierce battle is raging between two factions over the selected land for the project. On the other hand, the district administration has not issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) to Bahria Town.

For Bahria Town in Peshawar, the selection of land in Kafur Dheri, an area that has been a source of contention between the family of former Deputy Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Mahmood Jan, and the Isa Khel tribe, has been a contentious issue for many years.

The primary cause of this conflict is the claim by the Isa Khel tribe over Kafur Dheri, which has pitted two factions against each other for a long time. They target each other as soon as an opportunity arises.

Since the inauguration of the Peshawar project, especially the development of the farm, a heated conflict has been ongoing between Isa Khel and the Khans (Mahmood Jan’s family) for the past week.

According to the Assistant Commissioner Arshad Khan, these clashes between the two factions date back many years, and recently, there have been nine human casualties and 15 injuries. He revealed that there are 31 cases registered in connection with these clashes, leading to the arrest of 55 individuals.

Arshad Khan also mentioned that although tensions have subsided lately, complete peace has not yet been achieved. The police are working diligently to ensure a peaceful resolution, he said.

KP govt warns people against investing in Bahria Town, Citi Housing projects

Former Deputy Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and PTI leader Mahmood Jan told Urdu News and expressed his concerns. He said, “Heavy weapons are being used by the Isa Khel tribe.” In the past eight days, four of my poor landowners have been killed. The police and administration are silent. Where is the government’s writ?”

He further said, “The rivals are being pitted against each other to the benefit of a mega housing society, but we are on the right path, and we won’t back down.”

The PTI leader also mentioned that since 1870, all these lands have been owned by the Khan family of Kafur Dheri, and the Supreme Court has also issued a verdict in their favor. However, some influential individuals want to seize this land, but they won’t allow it.

Jamshed Ali, a resident of Kafur Dheri, expressed his concerns, saying, “The conflict between the Isa Khel tribe and the Khan family has become increasingly dangerous. “For the past three to four days, rocket launchers and mortars have been freely used. So far, four people have lost their lives, and several others are injured.”

He added, “The sounds of explosions are heard in the center of Peshawar. The silence of the authorities and the police is beyond comprehension.”

No NOC for Bahria Town Peshawar

Peshawar’s Bahria Town is facing a significant hurdle as there is no NOC from the district administration in Peshawar.

Additional Assistant Commissioner Salim Ayubi saidthat “Bahria Town does not have an NOC, nor has any land been purchased for it. Therefore, their offices have been sealed.”

He clarified that once all legal requirements and regulations are met, they will be allowed to open offices and conduct operations.

On the other hand, Caretaker Information Minister Barrister Feroz Jamal held a press conference two on September 13, stating that the situation in Mathra is tense due to the private housing society. He assured that government departments would explore all options to resolve the matter.

Feroz Jamal clarified that neither Bahria Town nor Peshawar Citi Housing has any land or NOC. Therefore, the public should refrain from engaging in any buying or selling activities.

Nadir Khan, a real estate investor in Bahria Town, responded by explaining that they have issued forms for the project at a fixed price of Rs70,000. However, due to high demand in the market, these forms are currently being sold for up to Rs1,20,000.