CDA Orders Intelligence Bureau to Halt Illegal Construction in Islamabad

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has issued a show-cause notice to the Intelligence Bureau Employees Cooperative Housing Society (IBECHS), directing it to immediately halt construction activities on public amenity and public building plots that, according to the authority, have already been transferred and mutated in CDA’s name.

The notice, issued by the Directorate of Regional Planning under the Planning Wing, cites alleged violations of the CDA Ordinance 1960, ICT Zoning Regulations 1992, and the 2023 regulations governing private housing and development schemes in the Islamabad Capital Territory.

According to the notice dated May 25, 2026, CDA rejected the explanations submitted by IBECHS in its letter dated May 6, 2026. The authority maintained that a public building area measuring 8,005 kanals had been transferred to CDA through registered transfer deeds executed in 2009 and 2018.

CDA stated that the land remains legally vested in the authority, with no amendment or change made to the transfer arrangements, and is also reflected as mutated in its name.

The authority further argued that regulatory provisions cannot be applied retrospectively and that routine correspondence cannot override mandatory legal and regulatory requirements. CDA also referred to a board decision dated October 3, 2013, under which a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the Gulberg Greens Farm Housing Scheme was approved.

The notice stated that the transfer of 8,005 kanals to CDA was clearly mentioned in the summary presented before the board and formed an express condition of the NOC.

Invoking Sections 49-C, 46, and 46-B of the CDA Ordinance, CDA directed IBECHS to stop all construction activities on the disputed plots and refrain from utilizing any land already transferred to the authority. The society has also been asked to submit a compliance report within seven days.

The notice warned that continued construction or land use in violation of approved plans and regulations would attract enforcement action.

CDA cautioned that failure to comply within the stipulated period could result in demolition or removal of structures, stoppage of land use, and enforcement measures involving police assistance if required. The authority stated that all associated costs would be recovered from those responsible for the alleged violations.

It further informed IBECHS that ex-parte proceedings could be initiated in case of non-compliance, while still offering the society an opportunity for a personal hearing before the Director General (Spatial Planning) within seven days.