CDA Moves to Seal Offices of 40 Illegal Housing Societies in Islamabad

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is set to launch an enforcement operation within the next week to seal the offices of 40 illegal housing societies in Islamabad, according to official correspondence. The CDA's Planning Wing issued sealing notices for these schemes on August 21, but no action had been taken as of late October.

In a letter dated October 23, a senior Planning Wing official directed the Enforcement Directorate to seek support from the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration and Islamabad Police so the operation can proceed without obstruction. The letter noted that despite the passage of more than two months, the marketing and site offices of the schemes had not been sealed.

The official also flagged that some sponsors of the housing schemes appeared to be exploiting the delay to obtain stay orders from courts. Deputy directors in the Planning Wing have now been instructed to carry out the sealing orders immediately with the Enforcement Directorate's assistance. The letter warned that any failure to act could lead to disciplinary proceedings under CDA Employees Service Regulations.

An Enforcement Directorate official attributed part of the delay to ongoing anti-encroachment operations in various parts of the capital. The CDA has not publicly announced a firm date for the operation, though officials indicate it could begin within a week.

Small investors, meanwhile, have called for action against CDA officials who allegedly approved layout plans even though the housing societies did not meet required conditions. Investors said the scheme owners kept selling plot files for years without carrying out development work and while violating CDA regulations.

The case highlights long-running concerns over unapproved housing schemes in the federal capital, where buyers often invest in plot files that lack proper approvals. The CDA's move is expected to be closely watched by residents and investors seeking clarity on the status of affected schemes.