ISLAMABAD, October 19, 2026: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has recovered 1,133 kanals of state land worth billions of rupees from alleged illegal occupants in Islamabad’s Sector E-12 after four decades, clearing the way for accelerated development work in the long-delayed residential sector.
According to a statement issued by the CDA on Monday, the land recovery operation was carried out on the directions of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi under the leadership of CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf.
The authority said the recovery of the land had removed obstacles to development activities in Sector E-12, where infrastructure work was being accelerated to facilitate the project’s completion.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of the Deputy Director General (Enforcement), Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Dr Anum Fatima and officials of the Islamabad administration.
The concerned assistant commissioner and Islamabad Police also participated in the enforcement operation.
CDA accelerates development work in Sector E-12
Following the recovery of the land, the CDA said development activities in Sector E-12 were progressing at an accelerated pace.
The authority maintained that retrieving the occupied land had made additional areas available for planned infrastructure development.
According to the CDA, efforts are underway to complete the remaining development work in accordance with approved plans and quality standards.
Sector E-12 has faced prolonged development delays, and the recovery of the land is expected to facilitate further work in the area.
However, the authority did not provide a revised completion date or details of the infrastructure projects currently underway.
CDA chairman pledges action against illegal encroachments
CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf reiterated the authority’s commitment to recovering state land from illegal occupation and ensuring that development projects were completed according to approved standards.
He said protecting valuable government property and completing development work in Sector E-12 remained key priorities.
The chairman emphasised that construction quality and compliance with approved specifications would be maintained during the execution of development projects.
He also reaffirmed the CDA’s determination to continue action against illegal encroachments to safeguard public land.
CDA reports public support for land recovery operation
The authority said residents had welcomed the recovery of the land and the progress of development activities in Sector E-12.
According to the CDA statement, citizens appreciated the enforcement measures aimed at protecting state property and removing encroachments.
The authority described the recovery as an important development in its efforts to complete outstanding projects in the federal capital.
The CDA did not disclose the precise financial valuation of the recovered land, the number of occupants affected by the operation or a timetable for completing the remaining development work.