CDA retrieves over 900 kanals of state land in anti-encroachment drive

Islamabad: An important meeting regarding anti-encroachment drive was held at the Capital Development Authority Headquarters on Friday under the chairmanship of CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa.

The meeting, attended by senior CDA officials, reviewed ongoing measures to keep the federal capital free from illegal constructions and encroachments in line with the vision of the prime minister and the federal interior minister.

Officials briefed the meeting about anti-encroachment drive, that under the supervision of the Deputy Director General Enforcement, a special operation was recently conducted against land mafia in the Diplomatic Enclave and adjoining areas, including the former Muslim Colony. During the campaign, more than 900 kanals of valuable state land were retrieved from illegal occupants.

The meeting was informed that in compliance with Islamabad High Court orders, local residents were given an opportunity to present their claims under the law before the retrieval of state land. A site office was established on the instructions of the CDA chairman, where staff from the Revenue and Planning Wings heard and resolved legitimate claims according to legal procedures.

Officials said that individuals possessing valid ownership documents can approach the CDA for verification. It was further stated that CDA Enforcement operations are being carried out with full support from the Planning Wing, district administration, and Islamabad Police.

The meeting was also briefed that the registration of FIRs against land mafia involved in illegal constructions is progressing rapidly. These actions were termed essential for protecting valuable state land, preventing future encroachments, and ensuring transparency. FIRs have been registered against those found occupying state land and misleading citizens.

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Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that legitimate claims of citizens would be reviewed strictly under the law and all possible facilitation would be provided. He reiterated his commitment to organised urban planning, protection of state land, and making Islamabad free from all forms of encroachments.

The CDA administration appealed to citizens to cooperate with authorities in making Islamabad a more planned and beautiful city and urged them to immediately report any illegal construction or encroachment. Officials noted that state land worth billions of rupees has been retrieved from illegal occupants so far as part of the ongoing campaign.