By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: In a major anti-encroachment drive, the Capital Development Authority (CDA), in coordination with the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration and Islamabad Police, has retrieved approximately 300 acres of prime state land in Noorpur Shahan.
Sources said the reclaimed land forms part of 2,146 acres acquired through land awards issued in 1961, 1963 and 1964, for which compensation had been fully disbursed. This included the allotment of 4,962 acres in Punjab cultivable land, along with cash compensation to 1,589 households for built-up structures.
The acquisition remains legally valid and enforceable, adding that the 2011 Supreme Court ruling in Suo Motu Case No.1 of 2011 clearly established that such land vests with the state, leaving no room for concessions to illegal occupants.
Officials said encroachments had expanded across an estimated 600-acre belt between 3rd and 4th Avenue, where unauthorized construction, illegal sale and purchase, rental exploitation and commercial use had been taking place.
They said due process was followed prior to the operation, with claims invited between Jan 1 and Jan 15. A speaking order was subsequently issued by the deputy commissioner CDA on Jan 19 after hearings and verification. No substantiated claims were found pending.
The operation, carried out from November 2025 to April 2026, led to the identification of around 3,500 illegal structures. Multiple FIRs have been registered against individuals allegedly involved in unlawful occupation and profiteering.
Officials further clarified that the enforcement action does not affect the notified Model Village scheme introduced in 1985, which remains confined to its legally defined limits.
The CDA termed the action part of ongoing efforts to implement court directives, safeguard public land and prevent illegal transactions, noting that the retrieved land is worth billions of rupees.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring transparency and upholding the rule of law in all future operations.
