Outstanding rental dues of Rs7.94 million, alleged illegal subletting and unauthorised shop divisions at Rawalpindi’s Pirwadhai General Bus Stand prompt calls for a transparent administrative and financial audit.
RAWALPINDI (GMBhatti): Serious financial and administrative concerns have emerged over commercial properties at Pirwadhai General Bus Stand, where Rs7.94 million in rental dues remains outstanding against 295 shops, while allegations of illegal subletting and unauthorised structural alterations have also surfaced.
According to available rental records up to October 2026, a total of 821 shops are registered at the bus stand. Of these, 295 have outstanding rental dues amounting to Rs7,944,484.
The records show outstanding amounts of Rs64,193, Rs118,031 and Rs33,542 against certain shop entries registered under different names. These names had also surfaced in a recent joint statement issued by traders and transporters concerning the administrative affairs of the bus stand. However, the identities of the individuals concerned and their connection with the relevant lease records require further verification.
According to sources, several commercial shops at Pirwadhai General Bus Stand were leased out by the Municipal Corporation Rawalpindi for periods ranging from 10 to 15 years. The lease agreements reportedly contain provisions for annual rent increases, timely payments, preservation of the original shop structures and restrictions on transferring or subletting the premises without prior approval from the competent authority.
Sources allege that some original leaseholders are not operating businesses themselves but are renting out their shops to other individuals at higher rates while continuing to pay the government rent stipulated in their original agreements. The alleged practice has raised concerns about unauthorised private financial gains from government-owned commercial properties.
Complaints have also emerged regarding the removal of internal walls, the creation of additional commercial spaces, the establishment of separate counters and alleged encroachments on public passageways.
According to sources, the division of the original 821 commercial units and the establishment of additional counters have reportedly increased the number of operational commercial units to approximately 950. However, the actual number requires verification through a joint survey of approved building plans, original lease agreements and commercial units currently operating at the site.
Certain clauses in the available lease agreements reportedly provide grounds for cancellation in cases involving continuous non-payment of rent for three months, unauthorised subletting, alterations to the original structure or damage to the premises. Any cancellation or legal action, however, must comply with applicable laws, contractual conditions, supporting evidence and due legal process.
Following administrative changes at Pirwadhai General Bus Stand, questions concerning commercial rents, original leaseholders, current occupants, alleged unauthorised construction and the recovery of outstanding government dues have gained significance.
Public circles have called for a transparent and impartial financial and administrative audit of all commercial shops, proper documentation of original leaseholders and current occupants, verification and recovery of outstanding rental dues, and legal action against proven cases of illegal subletting, unauthorised shop divisions and encroachments in accordance with applicable laws and lease agreements.
Citizens maintain that revenue generated from government-owned commercial properties should be deposited into the public exchequer and municipal funds rather than becoming a source of alleged private financial gain through unauthorised practices.
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