ISLAMABAD, September 15: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has recovered approximately 16 kanals of acquired land from unauthorized occupation in Islamabad’s Sector E-12, clearing a longstanding hurdle to development work in the sector.
The CDA said possession of the land was restored after verification of acquisition records and completion of the required legal and administrative process. Development activities at the site have now resumed.
According to the authority, the land had been used for accommodation of private guards, a holiday home and 14 shops that were being rented out commercially. The occupation had prevented development work from proceeding at the site, affecting infrastructure and public facilities planned for Sector E-12 residents and allottees.
The CDA said it had earlier issued multiple public notices asking people with genuine outstanding compensation claims or other legitimate dues related to the acquired land to approach the Deputy Commissioner, CDA, for verification and processing under the law.
The process was intended to verify legitimate claims while protecting the rights of landowners and other eligible claimants, the authority said.
During scrutiny of acquisition records and related documents, the CDA said the occupation was traced to a relative of a retired authority employee. Following verification, structures on the land were demolished and possession was restored to the CDA.
The authority maintained that genuine and legally admissible compensation claims would continue to be processed under applicable laws.
It stressed, however, that an outstanding compensation claim did not give a claimant the right to retain possession of acquired public land, use it commercially or generate rental income from it.
According to the CDA, any compensation legally due remains a claim against the authority and must be settled through the prescribed administrative and legal process.
The authority said the distinction was particularly important where occupation of acquired land was preventing development projects intended to serve residents and allottees.
With possession restored, the CDA said it was moving ahead with development work in Sector E-12 in accordance with approved plans and prescribed standards.
Residents and allottees have long awaited infrastructure and public facilities in the sector, and the authority said removal of the obstruction would help facilitate further development at the site.
The CDA said it would continue to protect legitimate compensation rights while taking action against unauthorized occupation of acquired public land that obstructs development projects.
It added that development work in Sector E-12 would be accelerated to ensure acquired land is used for its intended public purpose.