ISLAMABAD, October 26, 2026: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate development work in Islamabad’s Sector E-12 following the recovery of 1,135 kanals of state land worth billions of rupees from illegal occupation after nearly four decades.
During a visit to the sector on Monday, the CDA chairman reviewed ongoing development activities and instructed concerned departments to ensure the timely completion of infrastructure projects in accordance with approved plans and established quality standards.
The recovered land, which had remained under unauthorised occupation for approximately 40 years, is expected to facilitate planned development and the provision of essential civic amenities in the sector.
CDA chairman orders faster development work
Chairman Sohail Ashraf directed project officials to expedite construction activities, improve coordination among departments and resolve administrative or operational obstacles affecting development.
He emphasised that completing Islamabad’s residential sectors remains a major priority for the authority, in line with the directives of Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi.
The chairman instructed officials to adhere to prescribed timelines while ensuring that development work meets approved engineering and construction standards.
Senior officials accompanying him included the Member Planning, Director General Works, Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), Deputy Director General Enforcement, Additional Deputy Commissioner General, Project Director and the concerned Assistant Commissioner.
Recovery of 1,135 kanals clears way for development
According to the CDA, the recovery of 1,135 kanals of government land represents a significant breakthrough in efforts to address longstanding encroachments and unauthorised occupation in Sector E-12.
The land, valued at billions of rupees, had remained occupied for nearly four decades, creating obstacles to planned urban development.
Its recovery has opened the way for infrastructure development and the provision of facilities intended to improve living conditions for residents.
The authority said the operation was part of its broader efforts to protect public property and ensure that government land is used for its designated purposes.
Residents welcome action against encroachments
According to the CDA, residents have welcomed the recovery of state land and the renewed focus on development activities in Sector E-12.
The authority said citizens also appreciated its efforts to improve road networks, rehabilitate public spaces, develop parks and enhance landscaping and other civic amenities across Islamabad.
The CDA maintained that these initiatives would contribute to better urban planning and improved residential facilities in the federal capital.
CDA pledges timely completion of projects
Chairman Sohail Ashraf reiterated that the development of residential sectors remains among the authority’s highest priorities.
He said available resources were being utilised to accelerate ongoing projects and directed officials to maintain close coordination to prevent unnecessary delays.
The chairman also stressed that development activities must proceed without compromising construction quality or approved standards.
The latest inspection follows the recovery of a substantial portion of state land in Sector E-12, which the authority considers an important step towards addressing longstanding development challenges in the area.