ISLAMABAD – Illegal housing societies continue to mushroom across federal capital, often emerging on outskirts of planned development zones and drawing the attention of regulatory authorities. Despite repeated warnings and legal frameworks in place, unauthorized schemes persistently surface, raising concerns over unregulated construction, misused land, and violations of approved planning standards.
Capital Development Authority (CDA) launched strong enforcement move against an allegedly illegal housing scheme operating in Mouza Gangota Gujraan and Sayyedaan, located on Japan Road near Uswa College and opposite the Parliamentarian Enclave Project in Islamabad.
CDA’s Directorate of Housing Societies under the Planning Wing issued final show-cause notice ordering an immediate halt to all development activities, along with an outright ban on the marketing and sale of plots within the scheme. The notice has been served to M/s Shakil Satti and Tanvir Khokhar, accused of carrying out unauthorized development without obtaining the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) or approval of the layout plan from the civic authority.
The housing project stands in clear violation of CDA Ordinance 1960 and the ICT Zoning Regulations 1992, making the entire development illegal in the eyes of the law. The authority has demanded that all construction work be stopped immediately and warned that any unauthorized structures must be removed within just seven days.
CDA cautioned it will trigger strict legal action under applicable laws, including possible demolition operations and cancellation of all illegal developments associated with the project.
The crackdown has been initiated in line with directives issued by the Islamabad High Court and the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which have repeatedly stressed strict action against illegal housing societies and unapproved constructions in the federal capital.
CDA stressed that it remains the sole regulatory body empowered to approve and supervise housing schemes in Islamabad. It further made it clear that no local government body or union council has the legal authority to grant permissions in contradiction of CDA regulations.
The notice referenced court rulings requiring strict enforcement of approved layout plans and protection of designated public amenities, including parks, mosques, schools, playgrounds, and parking spaces. CDA warned that illegal developments not only violate planning laws but also severely disrupt urban infrastructure and public facilities.
Officials further cautioned that continued non-compliance could result in forceful demolition action, cancellation of all illegal development work, and even potential takeover of the project by the authority.
Reiterating its stance, CDA said enforcement operations against illegal housing schemes will continue without exception to ensure implementation of the Islamabad Master Plan and to protect public interest in the capital.
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