**Islamabad Authorities Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Housing Societies; Zero-Tolerance Policy Announced**
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration have pledged a rigorous crackdown on illegal housing and cooperative societies in Islamabad, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy against unauthorized constructions and encroachments. The initiative aims to preserve the city’s natural environment, protect citizen investments, and ensure sustainable urban planning.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, at the Chief Commissioner’s Office. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including members of CDA’s administration, engineering and planning wings, as well as representatives from the Islamabad district administration and Cooperative Housing Societies Registrar.
During the briefing, the CDA’s Planning Wing highlighted the ongoing legal actions against illegal housing schemes in various zones of Islamabad. It was emphasized that all housing and cooperative societies under CDA and ICT jurisdiction will be systematically categorized, with a comprehensive database being developed. This database will include detailed information on layout plans, No Objection Certificates (NOCs), plot allotments, and particularly identify societies selling more plot files than the land they actually possess.
The Chairman directed immediate and indiscriminate legal action against all illegal and non-compliant societies in accordance with the law. To bolster transparency and protect potential investors, the CDA has also made publicly accessible lists of legal and illegal housing societies available on its website. Citizens are urged to verify the legal status of housing projects before making any investments in the real estate sector.
The meeting further resolved that supplies of construction and other materials to unapproved societies would be targeted and curtailed. Authorities will rigorously scrutinize layout plans and NOCs and take strict legal action against societies violating zoning regulations or those engaged in fraudulent plot sales.
All relevant CDA and ICT departments have been instructed to implement zoning regulations diligently and enforce immediate and effective measures to eliminate unauthorized housing schemes. The Chairman reaffirmed CDA’s commitment to not only urban development and beautification but also addressing the housing needs of Islamabad’s residents in a lawful and secure manner, ensuring that citizens’ investments remain protected.
