Whistleblowing is often associated with individuals exposing wrongdoing from within institutions. However, civil society organizations can also play a critical whistleblowing role by providing safe channels for citizens to report suspected corruption, reviewing available evidence, and bringing credible concerns to the attention of public authorities. Transparency International Pakistan’s Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC) serves as one such mechanism, helping transform public concerns into formal accountability processes.

More than a decade ago in 2015, TI Pakistan took up a complaint regarding the illegal conversion of 5,222 acres of agriculture land for development of commercial building project approximately worth (PKR 1200 Billion) in 2015 by the Govt of Sindh to Mr. Nasir Abdullah Hussain Lootha a UAE based businessman. The provincial government had leased the prime agricultural land in 2015 for merely Rs15 million to benefit a businessman. The sale of state land illegally for the benefit of an individual amounted to abuse of authority and misappropriation of public resources. TI Pakistan also pointed out this unauthorized allocation and submitted a plea to the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Subsequently, the complaint was taken up by the honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan in case No. H.R.C 16115-S of 2015 in 2015[1].

The Land utilization department had determined that the Scrutiny Committee could not formulate specific recommendations on the feasibility of project and determined the market price of Rs.200,000/- per acres. It further suggested that any lease, if considered, should be at market value or at rates not less than prescribed thresholds, depending on the size and nature of plots under incremental housing schemes[2].

Recently, a formal inquiry was initiated by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) under the under the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999 against officials of the Revenue Department, Government of Sindh as well as Mr. Nasir Abdullah Hussain Lootha and others for corrupt practices and illegal allotment of 5,222 acres of government land. As a result of this inquiry, the land has been recovered and given in possession to the Government of Sindh.

It is also important to note that the land in question is situated within the operational wind energy corridor in Jhimpir area, District Thatta. It is estimated that the current value of the land of 5,222 acres is around PKR 5000 Billion, underscoring its significant economic value.

The case demonstrates how anti-corruption institutions and civil society can work in complementary ways. While organizations such as Transparency International Pakistan do not possess investigative or prosecutorial powers, they can identify irregularities, collect and present relevant information, and push authorities to take action especially where significant public resources are involved. Anti-corruption agencies, in turn, can use their legal mandate to investigate allegations and take appropriate action.

After years of investigation and follow-up, the National Accountability Bureau has informed Transparency International Pakistan in May 2026 that the 5,222 acres of land has been recovered due to vigilance, commitment, and constructive role played by Transparency International Pakistan in highlighting an issue of public importance and promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

The case highlights the broader public value of whistleblowing and social accountability mechanisms. Effective anti-corruption efforts depend not only on strong investigative institutions but also on active citizens and independent organizations willing to report suspected wrongdoing. By serving as a bridge between the public and accountability institutions, TI Pakistan helped ensure that concerns regarding a valuable public asset were formally examined and acted upon. The recovery of the land demonstrates how information provided through civil society oversight can contribute to tangible outcomes, protect public resources, and reinforce public trust in accountability systems. This case also serves as an example of how whistleblowing, when supported by credible institutions and followed by effective investigation, can produce meaningful results for the state and the public.