ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has cancelled the layout plan of Bahria Town phases III-E and IV over alleged violations of the agreed plan, besides suspending processing and approval of other cases of the company “for being a defaulter”.

According to a letter issued by the CDA’s Housing Directorate to the Bahria Town management, the layout plan of the two phases, spreading over 2,999-kanal, has been cancelled. The plan had been approved by the CDA in 2010 “subject to fulfillment of terms and conditions.”

The letter alleged that Bahria Town had failed to fulfill terms and conditions and pre-requisite for obtaining NOC (no objection certificate) for the schemes, despite the lapse of about 15 years.

It added that Bahria Town had been directed in 2025 to get all plots designated for public amenities, including parks, playgrounds, open spaces and public buildings, vacated and restore them in accordance with the approved layout plan.

According to the CDA, the management of the scheme submitted a reply to the notice, but the authority did not accept it, terming it not based on facts.

The CDA then issued a final show cause notice to the management in September last year.

“Furthermore, DG of Federal Audit has framed Audit Para in 2023-24, titled, illegal construction of commercial building along Corniche Road, Bahria Town Phase III-E and IV, in Zone 5, without approval from CDA. The Departmental Account Committee headed by the secretary Ministry of Interior has discussed the para and ordered to remove such illegal commercial buildings, constructed in riverbed, graveyard and park/open space,” reads the notice.

“Therefore, the layout plan approved dated 18-12-2010 is herby cancelled/withdrawn with immediate effect.”

Besides this, the CDA has also decided to suspend “approval of other cases of Bahria Town (Pvt) Ltd, being defaulter of CDA”.

Meanwhile, the CDA’s Housing Directorate has asked the enforcement wing of the authority “to take action for demolition/removed of works/buildings/structures constructed in this scheme”.

An official of Bahria Town, when contacted, criticised the CDA’s decision, terming it ‘illegal’.

“We submitted a revised layout plan for approval, but instead of granting approval, the CDA unilaterally canceled our previous layout plan … We will challenge this action before available forums including courts,” he said.

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2026