Islamabad Capital Territory

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has reported cumulative recoveries of Rs 250,590,157, approximately Rs 250.59 million, during its enforcement operation along Islamabad Expressway East.

According to the authority, the collections comprise land use conversion charges, fees relating to construction without approval and desealing charges. Recoveries were made against commercial buildings, plazas, hospitals, marriage halls and other establishments along the corridor.

The CDA has identified 377 structures for enforcement action, including 281 commercial properties. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, comprising 34 in the Sohan and Iqbal Town area and 24 near Korang Bridge, Korang Police Station and Gulberg Greens.

A further 124 structures between Sohan and Khanna Pul have been marked for demolition, with action underway. The operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad Police.

The authority estimates that approximately Rs 3 billion remains recoverable under applicable rules. The outstanding amounts relate to violations involving non-conforming land use, unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio, covered area and fire safety requirements.

Property owners and occupants are served notices requiring them to address violations within a prescribed period. Enforcement measures follow where compliance is not achieved.

Meanwhile, CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf inspected the Service Road East project on October 12, reviewing construction progress and quality. He directed the project team to accelerate the remaining work while complying with approved designs, technical specifications and traffic management requirements.

The chairman reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to completing development projects on time and enforcing planning and building regulations to support public safety and Islamabad’s orderly growth.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
The documentation required for housing loans under Pakistan’s Apna Ghar scheme has been reduced from 25 documents to five, while the application processing period has been limited to 15 working days, a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was informed on Wednesday, October 14.
The measures were presented during a review of the scheme as part of government efforts to simplify access to home financing and reduce procedural difficulties for applicants.
The reduction in paperwork is intended to make the application process easier for prospective borrowers. However, the report on the meeting did not identify the five documents applicants would be required to submit.
During the review, the prime minister directed the relevant authorities to simplify the application procedure further. He also called for measures to help applicants obtain clear property ownership documents needed to secure housing finance.
Property documentation remained a focus of the discussion, with the prime minister asking officials to facilitate applicants in completing the ownership-related requirements associated with their loan applications.
Shehbaz also directed the State Bank of Pakistan and the relevant ministries to consult stakeholders and submit recommendations by the end of October to improve financing for housing, agriculture and small and medium-sized enterprises.
The meeting reviewed progress in agricultural lending and was informed that loans to the sector had reached Rs 1,352 billion. The government aims to increase agricultural financing to Rs 1,500 billion and expand the number of beneficiaries to 4.5 million by June 2027.
Officials also reported that more than 352,000 small and medium-sized businesses had received loans worth Rs 1,137 billion. The government plans to raise SME lending to Rs 1,500 billion and increase the number of borrowing businesses to 575,000 by June 2027.
The review brought together efforts to ease housing loan applications and expand access to credit for farmers and businesses, with further recommendations expected following consultations with the relevant stakeholders.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sought an immediate report from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) over the inclusion of 250 acres allocated to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in the Margalla Enclave housing project.

According to media reports, the Prime Minister’s Office requested an explanation on October 13 after renewed coverage of the unresolved dispute. CDA officials subsequently began preparing a report for submission.

The HEC acquired the land in Islamabad’s Kuri area for more than Rs1 billion to establish the University of Engineering, Sciences and Technology and the National University of Law. However, the commission was unable to obtain possession of the site.

The land was later incorporated into Margalla Enclave, a housing development undertaken jointly by the CDA and the Defence Housing Authority (DHA), leaving the proposed university sites caught in a dispute over possession and relocation.

To address the issue, the CDA proposed approximately 40 acres in Sector I 17 as a replacement for the original 250 acres. Under the proposed arrangement, the engineering university would receive 25 acres and the law university 15 acres.

HEC officials reportedly rejected the offer, arguing that it represents only 16 per cent of the original allocation and would be insufficient for the two institutions. The commission’s reported position is that it should receive possession of the original land or an equivalent area at a suitable alternative location.

The replacement proposal was scheduled for consideration at the CDA Board’s October 12 meeting, but discussion was deferred because of time constraints. The Auditor General of Pakistan had previously highlighted the issue, while the Public Accounts Committee directed its early resolution in June.

The prime minister’s intervention has brought renewed federal attention to the dispute, although agreement on the proposed replacement remains pending.