ISLAMABAD: After a wait of 32 years, over 4,000 people would finally get possession of developed plots in E-12, which had been marred by a dispute between the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the villagers.

On Wednesday, 162 of around 1,200 villagers were allotted alternative plots through balloting, paving the way to resolution of the long-running dispute that had been hampering development in the stalled sector.

The authority, through e-balloting conducted by National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) allotted plots of various sizes to 162 villagers.

Sector E-12 was launched by the CDA in 1989 and over 4,000 people purchased plots. However, despite the passage of 32 years, the plot owners had not been able to get possession.

On the other hand, the CDA failed to get possession of land for proper development of the sector due to pending compensation dispute with villagers, who had refused to leave the area until they were compensated by the civic body.

The matter was taken up by the Islamabad High Court (IHC), which formed a commission comprising the three members of the National Assembly (MNAs) from Islamabad - Planning Minister Asad Umar, Special Assistant on CDA Affairs Ali Nawaz Awan and National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior chairman Raja Khurram Nawaz.

After holding several meetings with the CDA and villagers, the commission decided to resolve the compensation issue with around 1,200 people.

Following its recommendation, the CDA conducted balloting for allotment of 162 plots of various sizes to people whose land and houses had been acquired by the civic body and were entitled to receive alternative plots.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on CDA Affairs Ali Nawaz Awan also attended the balloting ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Awan said plot owners as well as the villagers had been facing problems for the past 32 years and the federal government deserved appreciation for resolving the longstanding dispute.

“This is strange, people whose land had been acquired for the capital city and residential sectors had not been compensated,” he said, adding that another balloting would be held on Jan 30 and others will be given their due right.

“It is the PTI government which is resolving this issue. I am thankful to the federal government, courts, the commission and Mr Umar for playing an active role in this regard,” he said.

He also appreciated CDA Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed, Member (Estate) Naveed Ilahi, Director (Land) Afnan Alam and his team for holding the balloting.

Later, talking to Dawn, Mr Awan said the genuine issues of all would be resolved and the CDA could not deny compensation to those who truly deserved it.

“This issue should have been settled 32 years ago as the CDA was bound to develop the sector within one year after its launch, but successive governments did not pay any heed towards such issues,” he added.

Earlier, the member estate said for ensuring transparency, balloting was being conducted by Nadra.

The CDA officials said after clearing dues of people, the civic agency could easily get possession of the entire sector and start development.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2021