ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has recovered more than 2,490 kanals of government land in Islamabad through an ongoing anti-encroachment campaign targeting illegal occupation, unauthorized construction and commercial activities on state property.
The authority said the recovered land spans multiple locations across the capital and represents government property worth billions of rupees.
Large Areas Recovered Across Islamabad
According to CDA, more than 1,400 kanals have been recovered from areas including the former Muslim Colony. A further 712 kanals were recovered during an earlier phase of the campaign, while around 320 kanals were reclaimed in Saidpur and areas surrounding the National Park.
The authority said notices were served on occupants before enforcement operations, with the required legal and administrative procedures completed before possession was restored to CDA.
Digital Mapping Used to Identify State Land
CDA has also relied on satellite imagery, digital mapping and updated boundary information to identify government-owned land and areas falling within the National Park.
The use of digital tools is intended to make it easier for authorities to establish land boundaries and identify unauthorized occupation or construction.
CDA has indicated that similar technologies will continue to support monitoring after land has been recovered.
E-12 Land Recovered
A separate operation in Sector E-12 resulted in the recovery of approximately 290 kanals of land from unauthorized occupation and use.
Within E-12/2, around 16 kanals of CDA land had been occupied by structures including accommodation for private security personnel, a holiday home and 14 rented shops.
Following a review of land records and completion of the relevant administrative and legal procedures, CDA restored possession of the site. The authority said development activities in the affected area can now resume.
Action Against Unauthorized Structures
The anti-encroachment campaign is also being extended to other parts of Islamabad.
CDA has initiated sealing and regulatory proceedings against unauthorized buildings along Service Road East of the Islamabad Expressway.
Separate operations in the greenbelts of H-9 and I-9 have also removed various unauthorized structures, including shops, temporary hotels, rooms, tandoors, washrooms, marble stalls, containers, sheds and a service station.
CDA Plans Continued Monitoring
The authority plans to use drones, digital mapping and satellite-based monitoring tools to keep track of recovered government land and identify new encroachments.
Regular monitoring will be important in preventing unauthorized structures from returning to sites that have already been cleared.
Implications for Property and Development
The recovery of government land could support the restoration of areas designated for public or official use and remove obstacles to planned development.
For property buyers and developers, the campaign also highlights the importance of verifying land ownership, approved land use and development permissions before purchasing or developing property in Islamabad.
Official CDA records should be checked before entering into transactions involving land that may have previously been subject to encroachment or disputed occupation.
