Theme Park owner arrested for raising illegal scheme in Ravi—that is the latest development in Lahore, where the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) has cracked down on Theme Park, a massive but unauthorized housing society. The project spanned over 12,000 kanals of land directly on the Ravi riverbed. It came under the spotlight after devastating floods submerged the area last week, exposing both its illegality and its risks to residents.
ACE Arrests Owner of Theme Park
On Wednesday, an ACE spokesperson confirmed the arrest of Khushi Muhammad, the former police constable who founded and managed Theme Park. Officials allege he misled citizens into purchasing residential plots through fraudulent means. The housing society not only lacked proper sewage and drainage but also had no approval from the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) or the Lahore Development Authority (LDA).
“The project was built in violation of all legal requirements,” said the spokesperson. “Because it stood entirely on the riverbed, it was bound to face disaster. The recent floods left houses and plots completely under water.”
Warnings Against Housing on Riverbeds
Authorities stress that construction on river land is dangerous and unsustainable. Housing schemes developed in such zones inevitably collapse during seasonal floods, putting both lives and investments at risk. The ACE has now sought detailed records of all other housing schemes along the Ravi riverbed from RUDA and LDA. Officials confirmed that further legal action will be taken against any unauthorized developments.
The spokesperson added, “No housing scheme can be permitted on the Ravi riverbed. Any such attempts will face strict legal consequences.”
How the Scheme Expanded
According to investigative sources, Khushi Muhammad began with a relatively small piece of land. Over the years, he exploited regulatory loopholes, grabbed additional plots, and marketed them as part of a large gated community. Heavy machinery was deployed to carve out five-marla and ten-marla plots. Guards were stationed to keep landowners away, while installment-based sales attracted unsuspecting buyers.
Many citizens invested their life savings into Theme Park, believing it to be a legitimate society. However, when torrential rains hit Lahore, the true danger became clear. The Ravi swelled, sweeping water across the entire settlement. Buyers were left devastated, with no compensation and no habitable land.
Billions Transferred Abroad
Sources further revealed that Khushi Muhammad managed to transfer billions of rupees abroad during the project’s expansion. Investigators suspect this money trail could involve accomplices within local land and revenue offices. The rapid growth of the housing scheme suggests that some officials may have turned a blind eye to the illegal occupation of river land.
In most cases, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) investigates fraudulent housing schemes. However, ACE moved first in this instance, treating Theme Park as a high-profile test case. Authorities believe this arrest will set a precedent for future enforcement against illegal real estate projects.
Why Illegal Housing Schemes Are a Threat
The issue of unauthorized housing schemes is not limited to Theme Park. Across Punjab, unregulated developers have created entire communities without approval, environmental assessments, or safety planning. Such practices undermine proper urban development and increase flood vulnerability.
Experts note that the Ravi riverbed is particularly sensitive. Building permanent housing on it not only puts residents in danger but also disrupts natural water flow, increasing flood risks for surrounding areas. The recent submersion of Theme Park illustrates the consequences of ignoring environmental realities.
ACE’s Next Steps
Following Khushi Muhammad’s arrest, ACE announced that a comprehensive review of housing projects along the Ravi will begin. Officials aim to identify other societies established on riverbeds and take strict action against them. They also plan to recommend tighter laws to prevent future exploitation.
Plot-buyers in Theme Park may seek restitution, though legal experts warn that recovering money from fraudulent societies can be difficult. ACE has assured the public that it will pursue accountability and attempt to recover looted funds.
Public Reaction
The arrest has sparked mixed emotions among affected citizens. Many welcome the crackdown, arguing it will deter similar scams. Others express frustration at losing their investments and call on the government to provide relief. On social media, several users questioned how such a large project could expand unchecked without collusion from local officials.
Conclusion
The Theme Park owner arrested for raising illegal scheme in Ravi case highlights a growing crisis in Pakistan’s urban development. Fraudulent housing societies not only rob citizens of their savings but also endanger lives when built in disaster-prone areas.
With Khushi Muhammad in custody and ACE pursuing further investigations, authorities now face a critical test: can they dismantle illegal projects before another flood exposes more schemes? The answer will determine whether Pakistan moves toward safer, more regulated housing—or whether unapproved developments continue to thrive in the shadows.
