CDA Issues Show Cause Notice to Housing Scheme Withholding 31 Kanals Meant for Public Use

The Capital Development Authority has issued a formal show-cause notice to the Central Board of Revenue Employees Cooperative Housing Scheme for failing to transfer more than 31 kanals of land earmarked for public buildings in Zone V, Islamabad. CDA said the requirement is mandatory under planning rules and that repeated reminders earlier this year were ignored. According to the notice, sponsors of private housing schemes are legally bound under the ICT Zoning Regulations 1992 and the 2023 Regulations for Planning and Development of Private Housing Schemes to hand over land meant for hospitals, schools, parks, post offices and other public facilities free of cost to CDA. Officials stated that the Revised Layout Plan, approved in March 2023 and currently under litigation, expanded the scheme area but still showed no compliance with these obligations. CDA said multiple Islamabad High Court judgments leave no room for deviation from approved layout plans. The court has repeatedly ordered CDA to restore amenity plots where altered and to act against sponsors who convert public facility areas into commercial or residential plots. These rulings, the notice said, strengthen the Authority’s position to enforce regulations strictly. The housing scheme has now been directed to transfer 31.05 kanals of public building land within ten days. It has also been instructed to fence and earmark all public facility plots, install visible display boards, and submit updated satellite imagery and drone footage showing the status of all sites. CDA said no further NOCs, transfer letters or approval processes will move forward until full compliance is completed. The notice warns that non-compliance may lead to cancellation of the Layout Plan, referral of the case to NAB or FIA, suspension of building plan approvals, selling of mortgaged plots held by CDA, and sealing of society offices. Illegal structures may also be demolished with police assistance, with costs recovered from responsible individuals. CDA has allowed the scheme a final chance for a personal hearing within ten days. The Authority said any failure to respond will result in ex-parte proceedings, adding that the action is being taken in line with court directives to protect public land and ensure that civic amenities are delivered as per planning standards.