PESHAWAR: Thousands of government employees and retirees, including Dr. Syed Zahir Shah, a retired professor, have been left in limbo for 29 years due to delays in the Regi Model Town housing project. Initiated by the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) in the early nineties, the project has been marred by land disputes and bureaucratic hurdles.
Dr. Shah, who was allotted a plot in 1994, is among the 17,000 individuals still awaiting possession. Many have passed away, leaving their heirs to continue the wait. Another retired professor, Hakeem Khan, expressed his doubts about ever receiving his plot in Zone 5, fearing it might be a dream only his children might realize.
The root of the delay lies in a land dispute. While the government asserts that landowners have been compensated, the Koki Khel tribes claim ownership and demand payment. This disagreement has prevented government employees from taking possession of their plots, even after paying in full.
The PDA had divided the housing project into five zones. By 1994, plots were allotted to various government entities and employees through a balloting process. Full payments, including development charges, were collected from all allottees. However, only zones 3 & 4 saw partial development, with possessions handed over. Zones 1, 2, & 5 remain undeveloped, leaving many, including government servants, without their promised plots.
Dr. Shah highlighted the plight of over seventeen thousand families affected by PDA’s negligence. Many of those who were allotted plots in 1993 have since passed away, with their offspring still awaiting possession. He also pointed out the lack of basic amenities in the two zones that were opened.
Retired officer Zakaullah emphasized the government’s failure to provide plots or refunds, suggesting the allotment of alternative plots as a potential solution.
Efforts to resolve the issue have been ongoing. Former chief minister Mahmood Khan had set a deadline of April 30, 2021, for a resolution, involving key officials in the process. However, illegal constructions by occupiers persist.
Commissioner Peshawar Zubair Khan, head of the government committee overseeing the issue, acknowledged the longstanding dispute between PDA and the Koki Khel tribe. He expressed hope for a resolution soon, emphasizing the need for dialogue and consensus.
