I HAD secured two flats in the ‘economy flat scheme’ in a project (N-95) under the Malir Development Authority (MDA) in 1998. I adhered to the payment schedule, and even exceeded the stipulated amount. However, there has been no noticeable progress at the plinth level of the block where my two flats are located.

Even after multiple visits to the site, I learned from the relevant officials that the development work in the said block had come to a standstill. Recently, during a visit to the MDA head office to inquire about the status of the flats, which I have been eagerly waiting for 22 years, I was shocked to discover that my flats had been cancelled. The rationale provided was my failure to respond to a letter sent by the MDA.

In response, I promptly informed them that as a perennial tenant without permanent residency, I had never received their letter. I expressed my bewilderment at the cancellation, emphasising that there had been no on-site developments for the last couple of decades. Their response was dismissive, as I was asked to file a case against the MDA.

Despite consistently adhering to payments and fulfilling obligations, I do not consider myself a defaulter. The MDA, with a long history of engaging in corrupt practices, has rendered almost all its schemes uninhabitable over the last many years.

The higher administration of MDA and relevant accountability authorities should investigate the matter and come to the rescue of MDA scheme allottees.

Nighat Shaheen
Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2024