In a surprise move on Wednesday, the newly-appointed Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Nadeem Hasan Asif postponed an advertised auction of commercial plots in I-12 and other sectors of the capital.
The auction had been planned for June 27th and 28th, according to a press release issued earlier this week by the Public Relations Department of CDA. Neither justification for the postponement nor a new date for the auction has been announced by the CDA so far.
When CDA authorities were requested to explain the seemingly abrupt decision, they gave no concrete reply. Many prospective bidders visited CDA Headquarters to find out the details of the development, including Ahmad Nadeem, an expatriate Pakistani who had traveled all the way from London (UK) to take part in the auction.
Nadeem apprised Pakistan Today of his utter disbelief and shock over the postponement and his disappointment in the refusal of CDA authorities to set a new date. He demanded that the authorities compensate the expenses and damages he suffered due to the sudden postponement.
This postponement is Asif’s first significant official action as CDA Chairman, which he became last week. He is considered very close to the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N)‘s top leadership and previously held important administrative positions in Punjab during the tenures of Mian Shahbaz Sharif as chief minister. Sources close to CDA authorities have linked this postponement with an ongoing political battle within PML-N circles for gaining control of the important Capital Development Authority.
