ISLAMABAD: The long-delayed development work in Sector E-12 has once again come under the focus of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), as its engineering wing has been directed to prioritise completion of the sector.
Sources told Dawn that CDA Chairman retired Lt Gen Sohail Ashraf recently instructed the engineering wing to expedite development work in E-12 on a priority basis. Following this directive, it has been decided that a dedicated meeting on the matter will be held after Eid.
Launched in 1989, Sector E-12 has remained incomplete for over three decades, leaving more than 4,000 allottees waiting for possession of their plots for nearly 37 years. Meanwhile, private housing developments across Islamabad have expanded significantly during the same period.
Sources further said the CDA chairman has also instructed the land directorate to resolve legitimate issues of local landowners on priority. While the authority already possesses land in nearly two sub-sectors, one sub-sector remains fully and another partially under adverse possession.
The chairman reportedly stressed that pending compensation matters should be resolved urgently, while strict action should be taken against encroachments. He reiterated that completion of the sector remains a top priority.
Partial development work has been carried out in some sub-sectors, including sub-base work on several streets. However, Sub-Sector E-12/4 remains completely under adverse possession, with no visible development progress.
Since the development of Sector D-12 in 2008, CDA has not completed any new residential sector, contributing to a growing shortage of affordable housing in the capital and increasing frustration among allottees.
Currently, CDA has 13 acquired residential sectors, out of which eight remain stalled with no development activity, while limited progress is underway in five others, including C-14, I-15, and I-12.
In addition, the authority is yet to acquire nine other planned sectors, as it continues to face challenges in securing possession and completing compensation processes.
Sector E-12 remains the most prominent example of stalled development. Although it was launched in 1989 with a promise of delivering developed plots within two years, progress has remained incomplete for decades, and many original allottees have since passed away while awaiting possession.
Sources indicate that the current CDA leadership is now giving renewed attention to resolving long-standing issues in this sector.
Meanwhile, no visible development is underway in sectors E-13, F-13, and D-13, where plot allotments and built-up property compensation cases are still pending. The land directorate has yet to complete balloting for affectees, which is a key requirement for handing over alternative plots.
A major hurdle remains the refusal of some landowners to vacate possession without receiving alternative plots, further delaying progress.
The CDA has also not completed compensation-related balloting for Sector C-15 under the built-up property award announced in 2016.
Officials noted that genuine affectees should be compensated on priority, while fraudulent claims must be dealt with strictly. They added that despite repeated assurances, delays continue, though Sector E-12 is now firmly on the authority’s priority list and may finally see progress under the current management.
