The recent findings from the 786 Intelligence Battalion, a group of reformist elements within the Pakistani military covertly advocating for the rule of law and democratic governance, have shed light on a staggering case of mass embezzlement and misappropriation of funds within the Army Officers Housing Scheme (AOHS), commonly known as the Askari Colonies. This scheme, overseen by the GHQ AG Branch Housing Directorate under the Adjutant General (AG) of the Pakistan Army, has become a flashpoint of contention among serving and retired officers.
The High Costs Burdening Retired Officers
Reports reveal that retiring officers are being compelled to pay exorbitant amounts ranging between PKR 22 million to PKR 26 million for the allotment of 3-bedroom apartments. This cost far exceeds the financial capacity of many, given that the commutation part of an officer’s pension—amounting to roughly PKR 10 million—falls drastically short. This financial strain has driven several officers to the brink, with suicides reported as a tragic consequence of the unmanageable burden.
Adding insult to injury, the GHQ Housing Directorate charges retired officers living in Askari colonies an inflated monthly maintenance fee of PKR 6,000, ostensibly for security and maintenance. An analysis of one such Askari Tower (a multistory apartment building) in a Defence Housing Authority (DHA) reveals the scale of the operation:
- Each block has 44 apartments.
- Eight blocks collectively generate PKR 21.120 million monthly in maintenance fees.
- Of this, only PKR 2 million is spent on actual maintenance and salaries.
The remaining PKR 19.120 million per tower is funneled into the Command Fund of the Directorate General Housing Directorate. This fund is reportedly used to finance the construction of houses for senior generals, including the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
A Scheme to Control and Exploit Retired Officers
The AOHS scheme is not just a financial burden but also a tool of control. Retired officers face significant hurdles in obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) required to sell their apartments. The AG Branch reportedly denies NOCs (Non Objection Certificates, required to sell the property) as a means of coercion, forcing officers to sell their apartments at below-market prices. The DG PS&PM (Directorate General of Personnel Security and Provost Martial): used to control retired officers behavior by the GHQ (Army Headquarters) towards the political and social discourse is accused of profiting from these underhanded tactics, ensuring a significant share from the forced sales.
Quality Concerns and Further Mismanagement
Beyond financial exploitation, the construction quality of AOHS apartments is alarmingly poor. Issues such as seepage and structural defects plague these properties, leaving residents with additional out-of-pocket expenses for repairs. Despite the steep costs, the apartments fail to meet even basic quality standards.
The Scope of the Scam: Shocking Numbers
The scale of this scandal becomes even more glaring when considering the nationwide network of Askari colonies:
- Rawalpindi: 25 colonies
- Lahore: 22 colonies
- Peshawar: 10 colonies
- Karachi: 17 colonies
- Sialkot: 6 colonies
- Gujranwala: 5 colonies
In total, there are 85 Askari colonies across Pakistan. With an average monthly maintenance collection of PKR 21 million per colony, the cumulative monthly income from all colonies amounts to PKR 1.785 billion. Annually, this figure skyrockets to PKR 20.4 billion—a staggering sum extracted from retired officers under the guise of maintenance.
The Role of Leadership and the Call for Accountability
The complicity of senior leadership, particularly Adjutant General, a position currently held by Lieutenant General Azhar Waqas, has been a significant enabler of this systemic exploitation. Despite growing calls for an inquiry into these practices, COAS (Chief of the Army Staff) Asim Munir has shown reluctance to initiate any meaningful investigation. This inaction underscores the deeply entrenched culture of impunity within the military hierarchy.
A Call to Action
This scandal highlights the urgent need for reforms within the AOHS and the broader military welfare system. Key recommendations include:
- Independent Oversight: Transfer control of NOCs and housing schemes to the Ministry of Defence to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Comprehensive Inquiry: Launch a thorough investigation into the mismanagement and embezzlement within the GHQ AG Branch Housing Directorate.
- Abolish Counterproductive Schemes: Disband the AOHS in its current form and replace it with a more equitable and transparent system.
- Quality Assurance: Enforce stringent construction standards to ensure that housing provided to officers meets acceptable living conditions.
Conclusion
The embezzlement and exploitation within the AOHS represent a gross betrayal of the very officers who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation. The Federal Government must take immediate cognizance of this issue, ensuring justice for the victims and holding those responsible to account. This is not just a matter of financial malpractice but a test of the nation’s commitment to upholding the principles of integrity and fairness, even within its most revered institutions.
