Khokhar brothers case: SC seeks progress report from committee

LAHORE: The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday sought a progress report from a committee formed by senior member of Board of Revenue in connection with Khokhar brothers' illegal occupation of properties.

The court also sought reports from Lahore Development Authority (LDA), Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab and others by second week of March besides directing the committee to hear stance of Khokhar brothers.

The bench headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial passed the orders while hearing a suo motu against MNA Afzal Khokhar and his brother MPA Saiful Malook Khokhar for illegally occupying properties.

At the outset of proceedings, a report on behalf of Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab was submitted before the court.

The court was apprised that Khokhar brothers got issued fards (Land possession documents) with the connivance of government officials and 402 kanals was illegally transferred.

The court was further apprised that Khokhar brothers caused a heavy loss to national exchequer by adopting illegal method.

DG ACE further submitted through the report that Khokhar brothers were found guilty and five cases were registered against them.

At this stage, LDA's counsel submitted that Khokhar brothers got approved maps of four properties whereas the authority had issued notices to Khokhar brothers in connection with fine.

A law officer submitted that the committees were investigating the matter in the light of report submitted by the ACE.

At this, Justice Bandial hoped that real facts about sale deeds would surface through the inquiries while adjourning further hearing.

MNA Afzal Khokhar and his brother MPA Saiful Malook Khokhar were also present during the hearing.