ISLAMABAD – A land controversy surfaced in federal capital after authorities uncovered suspected irregularities in property ownership records, including the sale of a commercial plaza for Rs5 crore just five months before an anti-encroachment operation.
Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration have taken possession of five commercial plazas in Mouza Malpur, targeting government land allegedly occupied for nearly 20 years.
The operation, conducted on Friday evening with the assistance of Islamabad Police and the CDA Enforcement Directorate, is part of a broader campaign to recover 108 kanals of state-owned land from alleged illegal occupants.
What initially appeared to be a routine anti-encroachment exercise has developed into a much larger investigation involving valuable commercial properties, residential buildings and questionable ownership documents.
According to an official survey, the disputed 108-kanal stretch include 9 commercial plazas, two petrol pumps, 25 residential houses and two warehouses.
Authorities have so far taken control of five commercial plazas, while the remaining properties are expected to face further scrutiny as the investigation progresses.
The findings emerged during examination of revenue records, which revealed suspected discrepancies in the documents used to establish ownership of several properties. Officials claim that some individuals allegedly used land records belonging to neighbouring Mouza Kot Hathial to justify their possession of properties in Mouza Malpur.
The discrepancies reportedly involved different khasra numbers, raising questions about whether ownership documents had been improperly used to support claims over government land.
In certain cases, sale deeds presented by property holders reportedly identified land situated approximately 1.5 kilometres away from the actual buildings. These findings have prompted authorities to investigate suspected fraudulent property transactions and prepare criminal proceedings where evidence supports such action.
Among the cases highlighted by officials was a commercial plaza reportedly sold for Rs5 crore just five months ago. The transaction has attracted particular attention because the building stands on land now being claimed by the government. The revelation raises concerns about how high-value commercial properties on disputed land were being bought and sold, potentially exposing purchasers to serious legal and financial complications.
The enforcement campaign was initiated in lieu of directions from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who instructed Islamabad Chief Commissioner and CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf to take firm action against illegal occupation of government property.
The minister directed the authorities to ensure uniform enforcement of anti-encroachment laws, regardless of the status or influence of those involved.
CDA and ICT Administration intensified their examination of land ownership records and began taking possession of properties identified for recovery action. CDA Deputy Director General Enforcement Dr Anum Fatima confirmed that action would continue against individuals found to be occupying government land unlawfully.
She said authorities were also examining suspected fraudulent transactions and preparing legal proceedings, including FIRs where warranted.
With only five of the nine identified commercial plazas taken into possession so far, the recovery campaign remains underway. The presence of petrol stations, residential houses and warehouses on the disputed land indicates that the operation could affect a substantial number of properties if their occupation is ultimately determined to be unlawful.
The case has also brought attention to the risks surrounding property transactions involving disputed ownership records in Islamabad. For now, authorities are focusing on establishing the legal status of the remaining properties, investigating questionable land transfers and recovering government land through the prescribed legal process.
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