CDA to Take Action Against 26 Illegal Settlements Still Active in Islamabad

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is finalizing a comprehensive policy on informal settlements in Islamabad, with the proposed framework set to be presented to the Parliamentary Minorities Caucus at its next meeting.

During a caucus meeting chaired by Convener Danish Kumar, the CDA chairman briefed lawmakers on the status of informal settlements in the federal capital. He said 10 settlements have been regularized and granted legal status, while approximately 26 others remain unauthorized.

The CDA chairman told the caucus that many of the unauthorized settlements are located in some of Islamabad’s most valuable residential areas. He sought the caucus’ guidance on relocating residents where necessary, adding that any action against informal settlements is a sensitive matter because it directly affects vulnerable communities.

He also said some of the settlements are being used for commercial and business activities, creating additional challenges for the civic authority in developing a balanced policy that addresses both social and urban planning concerns.

During the meeting, Danish Kumar expressed dissatisfaction with the CDA, saying briefing documents had not been shared with the caucus in a timely manner. He also criticized the authority for failing to give adequate importance to the Parliamentary Minorities Caucus, emphasizing that timely access to information is essential for effective parliamentary oversight.

The caucus was informed that the CDA’s policy on informal settlements is in its final stages and will be formally presented for discussion at the next meeting.