ISLAMABAD: Residents of I-14 have urged the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to ensure basic civic facilities that the sector still lacks.

Last year, the residents filed complaints with the CDA seeking resolution to their issues.

In a recent letter to the CDA chairman, the residents stated: “We would like to respectfully draw your urgent attention to Sector I-14, which was announced in 1984 and, unfortunately, still lacks basic civic facilities despite the passage of many years.

“Nearly 90% of the houses in the sector have been constructed, and families are already residing there. CDA is collecting a huge amount from residents as property tax from sale and purchase. However, the basic infrastructure and essential services remain incomplete. Roads and streets are not properly carpeted, and deep potholes can be seen throughout the sector.”

The letter said drainage lines were open or incomplete, sewerage systems are frequently blocked, and there is no proper cleanliness or waste management system. There are no proper footpaths, and many areas lack street lights, regular water supply, and Sui gas connections, read the letter.

It said that there are no medical facilities in the sector. “Greenbelts exist but without proper tree plantation. There are no playgrounds or walking tracks for residents.

Workshops and heavy machinery are blocking the main roads of I-14, I-15, and I-16, causing inconvenience and safety concerns. Stray animals are roaming freely, and building control inspections appear to be weak.

It has also been observed that illegal cultivation is taking place on open plots, allegedly with the support of some CDA employees,” the letter stated.

“Another major concern is the absence of a properly developed commercial area. Residents are forced to travel to Rawalpindi for daily shopping and essential needs. It is requested that CDA either immediately develop the commercial market or cancel long-pending commercial plots and fix responsibility on the concerned planning department for the unnecessary delay,” it said.

It added that on in the private sector, commercial areas are developed before residential settlements. In contrast, residents of I-14 have been living for years without essential facilities.

It said CDA was responsible for ensuring that all sewerage lines are properly covered and maintained.

When contacted, CDA spokesperson Shahid Kiani said the civic agency had already initiated a rehabilitation and upgradation plan with a special focus on sectors that remained neglected in the past.

“In this connection, a survey has already been conducted to identify missing amenities in Sector I-14 and its adjoining sectors to ensure their provision at the earliest.”

He said as part of this city-wide infrastructure improvement drive, special attention was being given to I-14.

“Under this plan, roads and streets of the sector will be re-carpeted, the streetlight infrastructure will be repaired and the drainage and sewerage system is being rehabilitated.”

To expedite the process, the CDA has already initiated the tendering process.

In fact, some of these works are nearing the opening and awarding stage of the tendering process, he said.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2026