Multan Housing Scam: NAB arrests DG Zain Shah, PML-N MPA Gormani flees abroad after Rs1.2b fraud

In a major crackdown on housing fraud, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has arrested Zain Shah, the Director General of Gulberg Executive, in connection with a Rs 1.2 billion housing scam involving fake maps, fictitious approvals, and massive land fraud.

According to NAB sources, the society was fraudulently launched on 800 kanals of land using bogus documentation. Despite collecting billions from investors, the accused failed to transfer plots to victims or initiate any development work for the past three years.

The chief executive of the scheme, Ghulam Asghar Gormani, a sitting PML-N MPA, has reportedly fled to Baku, Azerbaijan, evading arrest. NAB has confirmed that it sought and obtained permission from the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly to arrest Gormani, who is now officially being pursued internationally.

In a move to recover embezzled assets, NAB has approached the Lahore High Court to freeze 600 kanals of land and several vehicles tied to the accused. Meanwhile, raids are ongoing to arrest other key suspects, including co-accused Faisal Tahseen.

Despite a case being registered in the Anti-Corruption Department two years ago, no substantial action was taken until NAB intervened. The bureau has also recommended placing the names of all accused on the Exit Control List (ECL) to prevent further escapes.

The scam has left hundreds of victims without plots or refunds, reigniting concerns over regulatory oversight in Punjab’s real estate sector, particularly involving politically connected individuals.