CDA seals two illegal housing societies in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has declared two housing schemes in Islamabad’s Zone IV illegal and sealed their offices, according to officials.

The two societies identified by the authority are Shaheen Town and Islamabad Green Paradise. CDA officials said the operation was carried out in the first phase against the schemes, during which all of their administrative offices were sealed.

According to the officials, the action covered site offices as well as public dealing offices set up by the two housing societies. The offices shut down included those of Shaheen Town on Lehtrar Road and Islamabad Green Paradise, which had been established for administrative and promotional activities.

The CDA said the move was taken over violations of the Capital Development Authority Ordinance 1960, including Sections 49-C, 46 and 46-B. Officials added that the schemes were also found to be in breach of the ICT Zoning Regulations 1992, specifically Clauses 5(1) and 5(3), as well as the Planning and Development Regulations for Private Housing Schemes 2023, including Sections 40 to 42.

According to the authority, the action was linked to the illegal sale and purchase of plots in the two housing societies.

CDA officials said the relevant departments had repeatedly cautioned the public through advertisements not to buy plots in illegal housing schemes. They said citizens should confirm that a housing society has obtained a valid no-objection certificate (NOC) from the CDA before making any investment.

The authority also advised the public that the latest status of housing societies, along with approved layout plans, can be checked on the CDA’s official website.

Public warning reiterated

The CDA said its departments had issued repeated public warnings regarding unauthorised housing projects and urged prospective buyers to verify approvals before entering into any property transaction.

Officials said the sealing of offices was part of enforcement measures against schemes operating without the required legal approvals in the federal capital.

The authority maintained that investors and buyers should rely on official verification mechanisms, including the CDA website, to determine whether a housing project has the necessary permissions and approved plans.

No further details were provided in the report about any next phase of action beyond the sealing of the offices of the two societies.