CDA issues showcause notice to housing scheme over unauthorized development

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority has served a show-cause notice to the sponsors of the Usman Enclave housing scheme in Pind Baigwai. Orders have been issued that all construction must cease in Zone IV immediately and that structures built without approval must be removed.

According to the notice issued on November 12, a CDA inspection team detected active development at the site despite the fact that the scheme had no official sanction.

The authority said the sponsors had committed a breach of the CDA Ordinance 1960, the ICT Zoning Regulation 1992 and the Islamabad Capital Territory Building Control Regulations 2020 by carrying out building and land use activities without permission.

The notice warns the individuals involved to demolish the structures and stop use of the land within 15 days.

According to a CDA official, the warning follows years of repeated public notices issued since 2014 and through which sponsors of illegal housing and farm housing schemes were asked to submit layout plans for regularization. To this date, no record or compliance has been received from Usman Enclave.

The CDA said it would proceed with enforcement, with the assistance of the police if necessary, to demolish the unauthorized development if the sponsors did not take action within the specified timeframe.

The authority also said all costs incurred in any demolition or enforcement action will be recovered from those responsible.

Officials say the case is reflective of the broader problem of unauthorized housing schemes that have expanded in Islamabad, particularly in Zone IV, where strict planning controls are in place.