NAB abolishes open file system for housing societies
Allotments to be made through documents issued by govt, RUDA
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore has taken a sweeping step to clean up one of the most fraud-prone corners of Pakistan's real estate market. The open file system — long a vehicle for speculative trading and outright scams — has been officially abolished for housing societies. Going forward, plot allotments must be made exclusively through allotment papers issued by the Punjab government and the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA).
The announcement was made by NAB Lahore Director General Amjad Majid Olakh at a public hearing attended by more than 200 affected residents from various societies across the city.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Open files have for years allowed plots to be bought and sold before they were formally allotted, creating layers of undocumented transactions that fraudsters exploited freely. By replacing this system with government-backed allotment papers, NAB is introducing a clear paper trail to every property transaction. Transparency is no longer optional.
"Housing societies will now issue plots through secure papers, ending the open file system," DG Olakh stated at the hearing.
JUSTICE FOR THOUSANDS OF VICTIMS
The hearing was not just a policy announcement. It was also a reckoning for victims already caught in housing scams. DG Olakh reported that NAB has resolved cases involving over 15,500 victims this year alone.
Progress on ongoing cases includes 400 victims in one scheme who have already received plot and flat transfers, with 75% of construction completed under NAB's direct oversight. In another scheme, 40% of claims have been settled, with a fifth property auction planned after four previous attempts failed to recover sufficient funds. One case, originally handled by NAB Karachi and transferred to Lahore at victims' request, has received 894 claims. In a separate case, fugitive suspect Imran has been declared an absconder and is being pursued through Interpol for extradition. One smaller society case, involving fewer than 100 complaints, has been referred to the LDA and the Inspector General of Police.
A DIRECT LINE FOR VICTIMS
To keep affected parties informed, NAB Lahore has ordered the creation of a dedicated WhatsApp group for case updates, a practical step toward closing the communication gap between citizens and the bureau.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
This decision signals a more assertive regulatory posture for Pakistan's housing sector. For genuine developers and investors, stronger oversight should be welcome. It raises the floor for credibility and shifts the advantage toward societies that already operate with transparency and proper documentation.
For anyone investing in housing today, the message is clear: verify allotment papers, demand proper documentation, and treat anything outside the formal system as a red flag.
DG Olakh summarised the intent plainly: "These public hearings aim to bridge the gap between citizens and NAB for ensuring swift justice."
