The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to allocate land to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for the construction of two universities in Sector I-17.
Previously, in 2007, CDA had allocated 250 acres to HEC in the Kuri area. However, due to issues related to adverse possession, the land was never handed over.
Recently, CDA, in collaboration with the Defense Housing Authority (DHA), launched the Margalla Enclave Housing Project in I-17. As part of this development, the CDA Board decided that all government educational institutions previously allotted land in Kuri would be provided alternative plots in Sector I-17.
A CDA official confirmed, “The plots designated for universities and educational institutions have been relocated to the Institutional Sector (I-17) following approval from the CDA Board and the federal government. This sector has been specifically designated for the establishment of universities and institutions.”
Additionally, the civic agency stated that the Margalla Enclave project in Kurri Model Village has been approved by both the CDA Board and the federal government.
Sources within HEC revealed that in 2007, HEC acquired 250 acres from CDA to establish the University of Engineering, Sciences, and Technology. Later, 35 acres from this allotment were designated for the National University of Law. However, despite multiple efforts by both CDA and HEC, possession of the land could not be secured as it remained occupied by locals. HEC is now seeking either the original land or an alternative allocation. “A meeting with CDA will be scheduled soon to discuss this matter,” an HEC official stated.
CDA officials have assured that HEC will be provided land in Sector I-17. “We are offering alternative land in I-17, as we have done for the Federal Investigation Agency and other government institutions,” a CDA representative stated.
Sources within HEC also highlighted that apart from university land, the commission owns several valuable plots in various commercial areas of Islamabad, including G-11 and I-8, which remain unused. “HEC must secure its land and initiate construction,” an HEC official remarked, adding that if CDA fulfills its commitment to providing alternative land in I-17, the commission must act swiftly to prevent encroachment.
CDA had initially acquired 3,200 acres in Kuri, Mojohan, and Rehala revenue estates in Zone IV during the 1970s. However, it struggled to take full possession due to resistance from local landowners. Recently, CDA and DHA successfully acquired 10,000 Kanal, where the Margalla Enclave joint venture has been launched. Under the agreement, CDA will receive a 55% share in plots, while DHA will retain 45%. DHA is overseeing the project’s execution, with development progressing at full speed.
Great to see progress in higher education infrastructure! Islamabad definitely needs more universities, and Sector I-17 seems like a promising location. Hopefully, this time the land allocation process goes smoothly so students can benefit from these institutions soon.
It is a very appreciated step taken by CDA and HEC to establish the two Universities in Zone IV which is a very important need of this area. And also a very suitable place for educational activities. So that I request to the HEC and CDA authorities please construct the universities in Zone IV. Instead of I-17 which is suitable and easy approach for local people of ICT.
We have more than 20 universities in 27 sq mile area of Islamabad and dozens of universities are shutting down around the country due to lack of funds.HEC and government takes us for fools?
Government should provide funds and manage the financial issues of the existing Public Sector Universities instead of New Universities
Education is not a priority for any government since 1947.
Three federally-chartered universities (QAU, IIU and Federal Urdu University) have been facing severe financial crisis and unable to pay salary and pension, what is the logic of new universities and for whom. This is just throwing ash in people eyes.
If the HEC failed to get the possession of the land from 1970 until 2025 it is the failure of the federal government
This means CDA also failed and took the help of DHA for acquiring the land for Margalla enclave, including 3300 acers plot of HEC. anyway education is a least priority area in our country
No need of more university is Islamabad
Open those universities which have already closed due to lack of funds
HEC system is always very because when any one apply for degree attestation on his online portal and when you submit your application then the approval comes from HEC side after 1 months or 2 months
Islamabad is already full fill of university
First better your than make universities
Cleaner
Cleaner arbazabbas