ISLAMABAD: A commission headed by Planning Minister Asad Umar on Tuesday directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to resolve longstanding issues of compensation to landowners.

The commission, which was formed by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to look into the issue of compensation mainly in E-12, held a meeting at the CDA headquarters.

The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to Prime Minister on CDA Affairs Ali Nawaz Awan, National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior Chairman Khurram Nawaz, CDA Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed and others.

The commission directed the CDA to start paying compensation to those whose land had been acquired and who were entitled to get compensation in the shape of plot or cash.

The CDA chairman briefed the meeting about steps taken to resolve the issue.

He informed the meeting that a massive reshuffling was made in the land directorate and actions were taken against corrupt elements.

The meeting was told that over 700 plots in I-12 had been resized to accommodate the landowners of E-12.

The chairman also told the meeting that CDA had started development work in E-12.

Sources said an official told the meeting that the land directorate had been facing shortage of staff which was one of the reasons for the delay in the start of compensation payment to the landowners.

Sector E-12 was acquired in 80s and in 1989 the CDA sold out plots to people. However, so far the civic agency has failed to develop the sector.

The commission members directed the CDA to resolve issues of all land and built-up property (BuP) owners.

Sources said the CDA will start paying compensation to the E-12 landowners by next month.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2021