By Hina Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is continuing its operation against illegal encroachments, unauthorised constructions, unlawful commercial activities and violations of land-use regulations across Islamabad.
The campaign is being carried out on the directions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and under the supervision of the CDA chairman, with the stated aim of protecting public and state land and ensuring compliance with the city’s approved land-use plans and building control regulations.
The CDA’s Enforcement Directorate and relevant building control formations, in coordination with the district administration and other departments, are taking action against encroachments, unauthorised structures, commercial activities in violation of regulations and construction carried out without approved building plans.
The additional deputy commissioner (general) and relevant assistant commissioners have also been monitoring the operations in their respective areas.
According to the CDA, action will be taken in accordance with the prescribed legal procedures against confirmed violations. The measures may include removal of encroachments, demolition of illegal structures, sealing of buildings or premises, recovery of applicable charges and other legal proceedings.
The authority said particular attention was being paid to the protection and recovery of state land, public spaces, land reserved for roads, green areas, natural stormwater channels and other sites designated for public purposes. Considerable areas of state land have been reclaimed during recent operations in different parts of the capital, it added.
The CDA said enforcement measures were also being taken against buildings and premises being used in violation of land-use and building control regulations.
It clarified that cases involving regularisation, approval or conversion of land use could be considered by the competent authority only where permitted under the applicable laws and regulations. Similarly, applicable charges relating to land-use conversion, construction without approval, additional covered area, setbacks, floor area ratio (FAR) violations and de-sealing would be determined and recovered in accordance with the prescribed procedures, wherever legally applicable.
The authority emphasised that payment of charges or regularisation of a case would not exempt any person or property from compliance with applicable laws, approved building plans and building control requirements.
It directed the relevant departments to ensure that all enforcement measures were undertaken in accordance with the law and prescribed administrative procedures, maintaining transparency and consistency.
The CDA said the campaign would continue to protect public land, prevent illegal construction and commercial activities, enforce land-use regulations and preserve Islamabad’s planned character.
