ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Wednesday struck an agreement with the local people residing in the underdeveloped C-16 sector, promising them an award for their built-up property, which would be announced within two months.

As per the sources, local land owners, led by former MNA Anjum Aqeel Khan, held a meeting with the CDA officers at the civic agency’s headquarters.

During the meeting, it was agreed that the CDA would announce the pending Built-up Property Award (BuP) for the above-mentioned sector within two months.

The land owners’ representatives and CDA Deputy Commissioner Sardar Mohammad Asif signed an agreement under which the locals would not interfere with the ongoing development work in the sector.

The CDA will also withdraw a recently lodged FIR against the locals for hindering development work.

It was also decided that the civic agency will complete the survey and measurement of houses as soon as possible, and in a span of two months, the final BuP award will be announced.

It was also agreed that the local affected persons will be given plots in lieu of their built-up properties in sectors C-16 or C-15, and the CDA will issue allotment letters within four months.

According to the agreement, the CDA will announce the award after getting it endorsed by the committee of local people.

It further mentioned that the CDA will allot a five-marla plot against the 300-square-foot covered area.

The sector C-16 was acquired by the CDA in 2008 under the land sharing policy, which means the locals will get one kanal developed plot against their four kanal acquired land. In addition, they were also entitled to compensation against the BuP (houses) cases.

Sources said, to make the award noncontroversial and transparent, the CDA should strictly adhere to the rules.

Moreover, the utility connections are the best tool to gauge the genuineness of any claim of BuP, whereas the voter lists are also a piece of evidence that indicates if the claimant is a genuine affectee or an outsider.

As per a press release, in the said sector, a large number of new structures were also constructed; therefore, the CDA’s team will have to do their work minutely to avoid any loss to the CDA’s exchequer.

“There should be no loss to the exchequer, and there should be no injustice to the original locals. All genuine people should be given their rights respectfully,” said an official.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2023