CDA Issues Show Cause Notice to Housing Scheme Over 31 Kanals of Public Land

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has issued a formal show-cause notice to the Central Board of Revenue (CBR) Employees Cooperative Housing Scheme for failing to transfer more than 31 kanals of land reserved for public use in Zone V of Islamabad.

According to CDA officials, the land was clearly marked for public buildings and civic amenities, but the housing scheme did not hand it over to the Authority despite repeated reminders. The CDA has now warned that strict legal and administrative action will be taken if the matter is not resolved within the given deadline.

The move is part of CDA’s wider efforts to ensure that private housing schemes strictly follow planning laws and do not misuse land meant for public facilities.

Land Transfer Mandatory Under Planning Laws

CDA officials stated that under the ICT Zoning Regulations 1992 and the Regulations for Planning and Development of Private Housing Schemes 2023, all private housing schemes are legally bound to transfer land reserved for public amenities to CDA free of cost.

This land is meant for essential facilities such as:

• Hospitals and basic health units
• Schools and colleges
• Parks and playgrounds
• Post offices
• Graveyards and community centers

The Authority emphasized that these requirements are mandatory, not optional, and are designed to ensure a planned and livable urban environment in the federal capital.

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Repeated Notices Ignored

According to the show-cause notice, CDA had issued multiple reminders earlier this year, asking the housing scheme to comply with the regulations and hand over the land.

However, officials said that the scheme failed to respond positively and did not complete the transfer process. As a result, CDA initiated formal proceedings under the relevant laws.

An official familiar with the matter said that ignoring official notices leaves the Authority with no choice but to enforce the law strictly, especially when public interest is involved.

Revised Layout Plan Still in Violation

The notice also highlights that the housing scheme’s Revised Layout Plan (RLP), approved in March 2023, expanded the overall scheme area but still did not fulfill the requirement of transferring land for public buildings.

The revised plan is currently under litigation, but CDA clarified that legal proceedings do not suspend statutory obligations, particularly those related to public amenities.

Officials said that even after expansion, the scheme continued to show non-compliance, which strengthened the case for enforcement action.

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Islamabad High Court Judgments Cited

CDA has cited multiple judgments of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in its notice, stating that the courts have clearly ruled against any alteration or misuse of public amenity plots.

According to CDA, the IHC has repeatedly directed the Authority to:

• Restore public amenity plots where they were altered
• Take action against housing schemes converting public land into commercial or residential plots
• Ensure strict implementation of approved layout plans

The notice states that these court rulings leave no room for deviation and obligate CDA to take action against violators.

Clear Instructions Issued to the Housing Scheme

Under the show-cause notice, the housing scheme has been directed to take the following steps within 10 days:

• Transfer 31.05 kanals of land reserved for public buildings to CDA
• Fence all public facility plots to prevent encroachment
• Clearly earmark these plots and install visible display boards
• Submit updated satellite images and drone footage showing the status of all public amenity sites

CDA officials said these measures are essential to ensure transparency and prevent future misuse of public land.

No Further Approvals Until Compliance

CDA has made it clear that no further approvals or permissions will be granted to the housing scheme until it fully complies with the regulations.

This includes:

• No Objection Certificates (NOCs)
• Transfer letters
• Building plan approvals
• Any other development-related clearances

Officials said this decision aims to stop further development activities until the legal issues are resolved.

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Warning of Severe Consequences

The show-cause notice carries a strong warning that failure to comply may result in serious consequences, including:

• Cancellation of the approved Layout Plan
• Referral of the case to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) or Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)
• Suspension of building plan approvals
• Sale of mortgaged plots held by CDA
• Sealing of the housing scheme’s offices

The Authority also warned that illegal structures built on public amenity land may be demolished with police assistance, and the cost of demolition will be recovered from those responsible.

Final Opportunity for Personal Hearing

Despite the strict tone of the notice, CDA has given the housing scheme a final opportunity for a personal hearing within ten days.

Officials stated that if the scheme fails to appear or respond, CDA will proceed with ex-parte action, meaning decisions will be taken without further input from the management.

The Authority stressed that this step is in line with court directives and is aimed at protecting public land rather than targeting any specific entity.

Part of a Broader Crackdown

The action against the CBR Employees Cooperative Housing Scheme is part of a broader crackdown by CDA against housing societies violating planning laws in Islamabad.

In recent months, CDA has taken similar actions against several major housing projects for failing to transfer land reserved for public use.

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Officials say the Authority is under increasing pressure from courts and the public to ensure that urban planning standards are not compromised.

Impact on Residents and Buyers

Experts say that such enforcement actions are important for residents and property buyers, as public amenities directly affect quality of life and property value.

Lack of schools, parks, hospitals, and community spaces often leads to overcrowding and unplanned development, which Islamabad has been trying to avoid since its inception.

Urban planners believe that strict enforcement will discourage housing schemes from prioritizing commercial gains over public welfare.

Conclusion – CDA Show Cause Notice Housing Scheme 31 Kanals Public Land

The issuance of a show-cause notice over 31 kanals of public land reflects CDA’s increasingly firm stance against planning violations in Islamabad.

With strong backing from the Islamabad High Court, the Authority appears determined to reclaim public amenity land and ensure that housing schemes deliver what they promise in their approved plans.

The coming days will be crucial, as failure to comply could lead to major legal, financial, and operational consequences for the housing scheme. For the real estate sector, the case serves as a clear message that regulatory compliance is no longer optional in the federal capital.