ISLAMABAD: The management of Capital Development Authority (CDA) is planning to take over cancelled properties and the law wing of the authority has been directed to take steps in this regard.

Sources said a large number of commercial and residential plots were facing litigation and the management had decided to move against such properties.

“If someone has been occupying our property for years without any solid ground, without paying the CDA or paying only a nominal amount, we will not spare such cases,” said a CDA officer.

He said recently CDA’s member estate Mohammad Zaman Wattoo directed the civic agency’s law wing to share details of all cancelled plots and litigation attached to them.

The CDA management decides to move against properties facing litigation

“The undersigned has come to know that no follow-up action is taken on the cancelled plots (residential, commercial, business, agro farms, industrial etc.). The ex-allottees take undue advantage of this situation and enter into agreement with the unsuspecting purchaser for future sale of the said plots/properties. In addition, the financial interest of CDA also suffers,” read the letter.

It further said all concerned were directed to compile lists of cancelled plots, including the ones under litigation and “send the same to this office within three days”.

“They [concerned officers] are directed to take necessary legal action to protect the interest of CDA,” read the letter.

Sources said many properties of CDA, apparently had been facing undue litigation.

“We will check all cases and in case any negligence on part of any CDA official is pointed out, we will take action,” said an officer of the CDA.

“There are rumours that some officials had a role behind the prolonged litigation, so without getting record and determining role of officials we cannot say anything with authority; but yes, in case any negligence and connivance is established, then strict action will be taken. We will check record of each and every case, which is why we have asked the law wing to share details of all cancelled plots and litigation attached with them with the date of the first institution [case file date],” officer said.

“We will ensure early settlement of all cases. We have large numbers of lawyers on our panel and full-fledge law wing,” he said.

On the other hand, an official said recently the CDA management came to know that some cancelled plots were sold in market either on stamp papers or through agreements of ex-allottees and new buyers that prompted CDA to check details of all cancelled plots.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2026