ISLAMABAD: The special magistrate of CDA has directed utility service providing companies not to issue new connections to those constructing houses on state land.

The order was issued by Senior Special Magistrate Sardar Mohammad Asif to the general manager of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL) and the chief executive officer of Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco).

In its order dated February 3, he stated that C-13, C-16, C-15, H-16, I-15, I-16, I-17, E-12 and Chontra were acquired sectors of CDA. Therefore, no construction is allowed over there without permission from CDA. Iesco and SNGPL should not issue new connections in these areas.

He also stated that those who were making unauthorised construction in Zone III should also be not provided utility connections.

Special magistrate says unauthorised structures in Zone III should also be not provided utility connections

It is relevant to note that the same magistrate a couple of months ago had also pointed out illegal constructions in various areas of Islamabad and through official letters sensitised various wings of the CDA.

Sources said illegal construction had been taking place in various areas particularly in Zone III, Zone IV and even along Korang upstream and downstream.

Officials said that there was a need to demarcate all natural streams, particularly Korang nullah, as there were several complaints about encroachments on their right of ways.

“It has come to the notice of this office as many complaints were also received that in Zone III, Shah Allah Ditta, Talar, Gokina, Saidpur, Bari Imam and Shahdara, etc., and in other Zones of Islamabad, illegal construction is taking place on CDA’s land and private land. Greenbelts have also been encroached upon, which is a violation of CDA’s master plan,” read the notice issued by the magistrate a couple of months ago.

Sources in CDA said on acquired land of the civic agency in Tarlai and Tramri area new construction had taken place in recent years.

The sources alleged that in Jaba Teli area a large number of commercial shops were also constructed by locals during the last one year.

New construction also took place along Lehtrar Road by small illegal housing operators where CDA also had a large chunk of acquired land.

The civic agency had thousands of kanals acquired in various areas, but due to weak regulatory check as well as pending compensation claims the CDA failed in getting possession of the land in many areas.

“There is a need to first clear compensation cases of locals whose land had been acquired and who were entitled to get alternative land/plots, so that the CDA could take possession of its land,” said an official.

He said CDA in a highly dubious manner acquired land but delayed the built-up property cases due to which it failed to get possession of its acquired land.

“Until and unless CDA clears pending compensation cases and gets possession of the land, stopping construction activities is a highly difficult task,” said another official.

Published in Dawn, March 5th, 2025