NUMASKING THE BUILDER MAFIA:ROBBING PAKISTAN'MIDDLE CLASS

In Pakistan, the term "Mafia" has become a buzzword frequently mentioned in electronic, social, and print media. Politicians often attribute various crises in the country to these influential groups. This article sheds light on one active Mafia that has been disproportionately affecting the poor, especially the middle and lower-middle class, who are striving to save for their future. The Builder Mafia, operating under the guise of legitimacy, preys on innocent individuals, trapping them in schemes that deplete their life savings. It's a grave concern that this Mafia enjoys support from various government departments, including Revenue, Building authorities, anti-corruption agencies (ironically one of the most corrupt departments), the judiciary, and even politicians. Understanding the Term "Mafia": The term "Mafia" originated in Italy as an international secret organization in Sicily, initially formed in opposition to tyranny. However, it eventually evolved into a criminal organization. In the late 19th century, Italian immigrants carried this concept to the United States. In simple terms, a Mafia can be defined as a group of individuals with similar interests or backgrounds, often prominent in a particular field or enterprise, typically involved in criminal activities that flout the law for their own gain. The Builder Mafia's Deceptive Practices: Among the many Mafias plaguing Pakistan, the Builder Mafia stands out for its deceptive practices. Even educated individuals often fall victim to their schemes. These individuals entrust their life savings, hoping for a secure future, only to find themselves empty-handed. What's more concerning is that this Mafia operates with impunity, backed by multiple government departments, and remains largely unchecked. Examples of Builder Mafia Exploitation: 1. Korangi Karachi Land Scandal: In a recent case reported by Express Tribune on September 1, 2022, Indus Hospital proposed to build a hospital and college on a 100,000 square yard plot reserved for a school in Korangi, Karachi. Despite a stay order issued by a two-judge bench, the land-grabbing Mafia raised walls and initiated construction. The question arises: Who allowed them to seize this land? The answer is self-evident. 2. Incentives for Construction Industry: According to a Dawn article dated November 30, 2022, the government announced special incentives for the construction industry on April 3, 2022. These incentives included liniency & no inquiries about source of income for real estate investors and numerous tax reliefs. These measures further empowered the Builder Mafia, allowing them to seize significant portions of government land and sell it without transferring ownership to buyers. 4. Nasla Tower Karachi: Another notorious case is the Nasla Tower in Karachi, which was demolished on court orders. However, the affected individuals have yet to receive compensation. The question lingers: Who granted permission for the tower's construction in the first place? 5. Hyderabad's Boulevard Construction Scam: In Hyderabad, Hero Construction, now known as Boulevard Construction, completed the Boulevard Mall in just two years, presenting it as the most reliable option for investors. However, unsuspecting buyers soon discovered that the land allocated to them was not transferred. Promised rents with a 10% annual increase were not honored, as shops were leased to well-known brands instead. 6. The main reason to point out the Hyderabad Boulevard Mall, Hotel & Club is that it the most famous Scam in Hyderabad and the city is not so much big as Karachi therefore it attracted the people from interior Sindh & Local residents ,for marketing as usual local young girls were highbred to whom everyone knew and what was the reason behind that some of them became not only Billionaires but the owners of other projects in Hyderabad and some who could not achieve the targets were fired from jobs and some left on their own. 7. One of them who has left and invested there is now suffering from renal failure but she does not have money for treatment 8. Commission's Intervention: On August 10, 2018, retired Justice Amir Hani, the Commission Head, visited the Boulevard Hotel & Club site in Hyderabad, taking note of the conversion of industrial plots to commercial use in the SITE area. A ban on construction was imposed on several projects, including Hyderabad Mall, Lucky Mall, Emerald Hotel, Hero Tower, Ahmed Residency, 500 Lucky Shanghai Trade Centre, and Boulevard Hotel & Club. However, the Builder Mafia continued its operations, seemingly undeterred by the judiciary. Plight of the Victims: Approximately 500 individuals, including retired officers, widows, and expatriates, invested in Boulevard Hotel & Club, hoping to secure their financial future. Regrettably, construction has not commenced, and rents promised to those in Boulevard Mall have not been paid. This has left many in dire financial straits, struggling to make ends meet. Conclusion: The Builder Mafia's relentless exploitation of innocent individuals, often from vulnerable backgrounds, is a grave concern in Pakistan. Despite numerous cases in the courts and media coverage, justice remains elusive for the victims. It is high time for government departments, the judiciary, and law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against this Mafia and ensure that the hard-earned money of the middle and lower-middle class is protected. Additionally, society must remain vigilant and demand accountability from those who perpetrate these scams. Only then can we hope for a fairer and more just future for all.