ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to retrieve state land from the possession of private citizens in sector F-11.

IHC Justice Babar Sattar was hearing the petition filed by some against the adverse possession of those who did not handover the land to Capital Development Authority despite getting compensation.

The Capital Development Authority’s counsel told the court that out of 322, there are 15 people who were eligible to receive land in lieu of Built-Up Properties (BuP) in accordance with the award dated October 10, 1985.

He stated that after ascertainment of the fact that BuP has been handed over to CDA, land as compensation of BuP is to be allotted.

The member estate of the CDA informed the court that whenever the CDA team seeks to verify handing over the possession of BuP, it faces stiff resistance by residents or sometimes the lower courts issue restraining orders.

Justice Sattar wondered how the lower court could grant a stay order in the matter that is pending before the high court.

The court directed chairman of CDA to verify the factum of possession and sought a report by March 28.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2023