ISLAMABAD: City managers on Tuesday decided to remove encroachments from acquired sectors to expedite ongoing development work.

The decision to launch anti-encroachment operations was made during a meeting, which was chaired by Capital Development (CDA) Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa.

According to a press release, the CDA chief directed the relevant wings of the civic agency to immediately demolish all illegal constructions and encroachments in every sector to ensure the timely completion of development projects.

He also directed that all obstacles hindering development work in C-14, C-15, C-16, I-12, E-12 and Park Enclave be removed on a priority basis.

The development work in these sectors has continued for several years but is facing delays in completion.

However, the CDA chief said that the development of Islamabad is the top priority of the agency, and all available resources are being utilised for this purpose.

“CDA is making full efforts to improve sectoral development infrastructure, beautification and recreational facilities to meet the residential needs of the public. This will help resolve public issues at their doorstep,” the CDA chairman was quoted as saying.

He reviewed development projects in various sectors including, C-14, C-15, C-16, E-12 and Park Enclave and directed officers to further accelerate the pace of ongoing development work.

An official of the CDA said that the development work in the said sectors is continuing and work in C-14 is making good progress. It is relevant to note here that sector E-12 was launched by the CDA in 1989 but despite the passage of 36 years, its development work has not been completed yet. Currently, work is ongoing in this sector, but two sub-sectors are still facing encroachment.

Whereas, in some sectors, the CDA has yet to clear built-up property claims of locals, which is one of the major hurdles to possession of land.

The local landlords have been stating that they will not move out until the CDA clears their compensation cases.

He said pending built-up cases are major reasons behind the encroachment on the civic body’s land in acquired sectors, as people, after getting land compensation, are still not leaving the area, as their built-up cases are pending.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2025