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Aftab Maken
ISLAMABAD: The FBR’s Anti-Benami Initiative has confiscated two valuable properties in the capital, marking the first time immovable assets have been seized under the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act of 2017. The plots, located in the desirable Block H of the Pakistan Employees Cooperative Housing Society (PECHS), are now the property of the Federal Government.
The investigation, spearheaded by the Commissionerate of Anti-Benami Initiative (ABI) in Islamabad, began after a tip-off about the questionable ownership of Plot No. 168-A and Plot No. 174-A, measuring 816 and 991 square yards respectively.
The story took a curious turn when investigators discovered the registered owner was not only oblivious to her valuable holdings but also not registered with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). During questioning, the woman stated that her Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) had been misused to register the plots in her name without her knowledge.
This led authorities to conclude that the properties were “benami” – a term used for assets held by one person (the benamidar) on behalf of the actual, hidden owner. The practice is often used to conceal wealth acquired through illegal means or to evade taxes.
Following a detailed probe, the case was brought before the Benami Adjudicating Authority in Islamabad, which ruled in favor of the investigators. An order for the confiscation of the properties was issued, and with the help of local law enforcement, the plots were officially seized and transferred to the federal government.
This landmark confiscation is a major step in a nationwide crackdown on benami assets that began in earnest in July 2019. The government established three Anti-Benami Zones, including the one in Islamabad which covers Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Rawalpindi Division, and the Islamabad Capital Territory.
Since their inception, these zones have been actively identifying and investigating suspicious assets. To date, over 187 references have been filed concerning a range of assets, including company shares, bank accounts, vehicles, and real estate.
Officials say this successful operation sends a strong message that the government is committed to tackling the undocumented economy, uncovering illicitly obtained money, and curbing white-collar crime. The move is also seen as a way to generate much-needed resources for the state by bringing hidden assets into the open.
