ISLAMABAD – Plot owners in Islamabad may soon get relief from lengthy paperwork and repeated visits to government offices as Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced major changes to its plot file verification process.
CDA decided to tighten rules for verifying property files, making it mandatory for officials to obtain prior approval before starting any verification process. It has also directed that no file should remain pending at a single CDA desk for more than three days. The new measures are aimed at cutting unnecessary delays, speeding up property-related work and making it easier for citizens to get their applications processed.
Prior Approval Mandatory for Plot File Verification
Under the new instructions, CDA officials will no longer be able to send plot files for authenticity verification without a valid reason. Before starting the process, they must obtain approval from the Director General Land and Estate.
The decision comes as part of efforts to address problems faced by people whose property files are held up due to repeated verification requirements. CDA Member Estate Muhammad Zaman Wattoo has issued clear instructions to the departments concerned, asking them to avoid unnecessary procedures and ensure that applications are handled without undue delay. The revised rules are expected to save citizens from making repeated trips to CDA offices simply to find out why their files have not moved forward.
One of key changes is the introduction of a three-day limit for files pending at individual desks. According to the new directions, officials must ensure that no file remains unattended or pending at any CDA desk for more than three days. The restriction is intended to keep applications moving between departments instead of allowing them to remain stuck at one stage for extended periods.
However, the three-day limit applies to individual desks and does not necessarily mean that the entire property approval process will be completed within three days. CDA has also directed officials to process applications for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) within the prescribed timeframes.
To make the new system more effective, the Director General Land and Estate has been asked to prepare a clear timeline for different stages of plot file verification and other property-related procedures. A formal notification will be issued to specify how much time each process should take.
This will help applicants understand when they can expect their work to be completed, rather than being left uncertain about the status of their files. The instructions also aim to make officials more accountable for delays and discourage unnecessary verification requests.
For people buying, selling or dealing with property matters in Islamabad, the new rules could make a noticeable difference. Plot owners often have to deal with multiple departments while seeking verification or other necessary approvals. When files are sent for additional checks without clear reasons, the process can become even more frustrating.
CDA now wants to reduce these hurdles by ensuring that verification takes place only when there is a genuine reason and the required approval has been obtained. The three-day desk limit and fixed timelines for NOC applications are also expected to speed up routine property-related work.
