LAHORE: The Board of Revenue (BoR) has approached the additional inspector general of Special Branch to detect the middlemen/ tout mafia extorting money allegedly under shelter of the officers concerned from the people visiting the offices of sub-registrars for the purpose of registry, mutation and transaction of the properties. The decision was taken as district administrations in most districts failed to curb corruption and take action against the mafia.

On the other hand, a scam has been unearthed in Nishtar Town where, according to official sources, the sub-registrars have been found involved in causing loss of Rs1.5bn to the governmentexchequer by under-valuing the properties by receiving millions of rupees bribes.

An official told Dawn registry muharrars (clerks who process the registry, transaction, mutation cases) and patwaris, particularly those having the city patwar areas, facilitate the local administrations and politicians or those who help them getting prime postings.

`That`s how they (registry muharraris/patwaris) have such lavishlifestyle as they loot the people through their agents, middlemen, touts etc sitting in or outside the offices of sub-registrars and tehsildars-which are usually considered as dens of corruption,` the official, requesting anonymity, said. The officer said in the past, the BoR had also written letters to the DCs but they didn`t take anyaction to curb corruption.

`Therefore, it has now been decided to write letters to the additional IG, Special Branch to detect the mafia and send lists to the BoR for action,` he said.

To a question, the official said that in a bid to plug such malpractices, the BoR has also decided to introduce IT-based reforms besides taking strict action against the corrupt mafia in revenue offices across the province.

While sharing information briefly about a scamunearthedrecently,he said a sub-registrar in Lahore had caused a massive damage worth Rs1.5bn in a period of 12 to 18 months by under-valuing the property and depositing less provincial andfederaltaxesin return ofhuge bribes. `A high level inquiry is underway these days and soon itwill be made public,` he said.

SMBR: Senior Member Board of Revenue (SMBR) Nabeel Javed presided over a meeting on projects in biofuel, tourism and agriculture development.

Member Colonies Abdul Waheed Malik, Secretary Colonies Shahrukh Niazi, Secretary Tourism Fareed Ahmed Tarar, Special Secretary Forests Tahir Zafar Abbasi, PD Agriculture Dr Anjum, DG Livestock Dr Yousuf and others were present.

During the meeting, the SMBR sought introduction of an `EcoTourism System` to promote tourism across Punjab. Under this initiative, the government land would be leased for various tourism projects and ongoing projects at tourist sites would be enhanced. He also highlighted a biofuel project aimed atgenerating electricity from rice crop residues, which would help reduce smog and provide energy to the province.

Mr Javed further mentioned that the Punjab government was actively encouraging foreign investors by offering investors conducive environment for investment in these projects. Additionally, he added, a temporary farming scheme was being launched to promote agriculture and ensure food security.

Farmers will be able to lease up to 400 acres of the government land, which would boost agricultural production.

PHA: In connection with the Horse and Cattle Show, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) organised a Children`s Festival at the Bagh-e-Jinnah Open Air Theatre. The festival offered spe-cial international superhero circus performances, rides for children, foodstalls, and various recreational activities.

On the first day of the circus, both international and national performers showcased their unique acts, receiving great applause from the citizens. The outstanding performances by the artistes were well appreciated by the spectators. The festival would continue till Feb 23.

There will be two shows each day.

The first show will be from 6PM to 8PM and the second show will start at 8:30PM. The citizens expressed their joy, noting that circus artists took great risks for the entertainment of the audience, making the circus stand out from other sports.

Children would now be able to watch performances they previously saw only in the movies or on TV.