ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced that the operation to reclaim state land in the Muslim Colony area adjacent to the Diplomatic Enclave has been completed.

According to CDA, four acres of state land, originally part of the green belt, had been encroached upon and developed into an illegal settlement between 2014 and 2015, where 34 houses and two animal barns were constructed without approval. CDA stated that satellite imagery was used to map the extent of the encroachment before the operation.

“The enforcement teams reported that most of the structures were occupied by tenants brought in from various districts of Punjab. During the operation, CDA traced at least one land grabber who had been collecting rent from multiple units, and efforts are underway to identify other individuals involved in the illegal occupation,” read a press release.

It mentioned that the entire settlement bordered the outer wall of the Diplomatic Enclave and, according to officials, posed a significant security risk.

CDA claimed that the evacuation and relocation of residents were carried out peacefully, with teams assisting families in moving their belongings. According to the press release, some resistance occurred during the final stage of the operation, and FIRs have been registered against those who attempted to obstruct enforcement efforts.

The Deputy Director General of Enforcement, Dr Anam Fatima, stated that the campaign was part of the Authority’s broader policy to safeguard public land: “We carried out this operation on the directive of the CDA chairman. Encroachment on state land has long deprived the city of its planned spaces. Our focus is to recover these areas through a lawful, transparent, and firm process, while ensuring dignity and safety for all involved residents,” she said.

She also added that operations would continue in other parts of the Capital to remove encroachments.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2025