CDA Orders One More Housing Society in Islamabad to Stop Development

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has issued a show-cause notice to the management of Prime Enclave in Islamabad’s Zone-IV, accusing it of carrying out development without obtaining the mandatory Layout Plan (LOP) approval and No Objection Certificate (NOC).

According to the notice, the scheme has allegedly been developed in violation of the CDA Ordinance, 1960, the ICT Zoning Regulations, 1992, and the Regulations for Planning and Development of Private Housing Schemes, 2023.

The CDA has directed the sponsors of Prime Enclave to immediately stop all development work, marketing activities, plot sales and purchases, allotments, and transfers. It has also ordered the removal of allegedly illegal structures and instructed the management to cease land use within seven days, warning that non-compliance could lead to enforcement action.

The authority cited judgments of the Islamabad High Court and the Supreme Court of Pakistan, reiterating that no private housing scheme can be launched or developed without CDA approval. It emphasized that the CDA is the sole authority responsible for approving private housing schemes in Islamabad and that unauthorized development is liable to demolition under the applicable laws.

The notice further warns that if the management fails to provide a satisfactory response within the prescribed period, the CDA will initiate legal proceedings. Enforcement measures may include demolition of illegal structures, sealing of scheme offices, and recovery of demolition costs from those responsible. The authority also stated that law enforcement agencies may assist in the operation if required.

Copies of the notice have been sent to the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Senior Superintendent of Police, Registrar Cooperative Societies, Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), and other relevant departments. These agencies have been requested to ensure compliance with CDA regulations and avoid facilitating any unauthorized development or utility connections within the scheme.

The CDA also advised the public to exercise caution before investing in private housing projects that lack its approval. It urged buyers to verify that a housing scheme has an approved layout plan and all required statutory permissions before making any investment, warning that unauthorized projects carry significant legal and financial risks.