The CDA has halted transfers of 22 plots and stopped processing around 60 more in Islamabad’s Sector D-13 over an alleged land scam. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed the FIA to complete its probe on a priority basis.
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has suspended the transfer of 22 plots already allotted in Sector D-13 and also stopped the processing of around 60 more plots amid an alleged land scam, according to officials and a Ministry of Interior press release.
The matter came up during a four-hour meeting on CDA affairs chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, where ongoing public projects and new development plans in Islamabad were reviewed in detail. During the meeting, the alleged land scam was also discussed, and the minister was said to have been surprised by the case. He directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to complete its inquiry on a priority basis.
According to sources in the CDA land directorate, the case relates to a legitimate claim involving a citizen who was entitled to 22 plots in exchange for around 80 kanals of land acquired by the CDA. However, the applicant allegedly changed both his own name and his father’s name. The sources said that, some years ago, he was allotted 22 plots in Sector D-13 after informing the CDA that the names had been changed in Nadra records on the order of a local court.
The applicant submitted an identity card to the CDA, which was accepted without cross-checking other records, including educational certificates and a police report, making the matter doubtful, the sources said. They added that the same 22 plots were later sold in the open market. The CDA has now halted further allotment linked to those plots because of the suspicions surrounding the case.
Sources in the land directorate said that after newly appointed Member Estate Muhammad Zaman Wattoo examined the issue further on a citizen’s complaint, it emerged that around 60 more plots under alleged pseudonyms were also being processed in the land directorate. Following that, Member Estate Wattoo and CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf ordered an immediate halt to all related proceedings.
One source said the alleged scam was valued at more than Rs1 billion, adding that a one-kanal plot in Sector D-13 was worth around Rs25 million. The source said some officials had been preparing cases for around 60 additional plots against acquired land, but the current CDA chairman and member estate stopped the process.
According to the Ministry of Interior press release, the minister appreciated CDA Chairman retired Lt Sohail Ashraf and Member Estate Zaman Wattoo for bringing the matter to light.
The press release did not provide further details of the alleged scam. The report said the federal audit, in its 2023-24 audit report, had pointed out the issue of the 22 plots, which had also been reported in 2024, while the current CDA management stopped further proceedings involving around 60 more plots.
Other directions issued in CDA meeting
The interior minister also directed that the digitisation of land and property records be completed within 120 days so that citizens could track the updated status of their applications. He further said no illegal housing society would be allowed to operate in Islamabad under any circumstances.
The press release said the meeting was informed that the pre-qualification process of three international companies for the construction of the new Convention Centre, Expo Centre and Islamabad Arena had been completed. Naqvi directed that work on the new Convention Centre, Expo Centre and Islamabad Arena be completed before next year’s SCO summit.
It was also decided that a Khidmat Markaz would be set up in F-6. The minister directed the early launch of modern recreational facilities, including TopGolf, hot air balloon rides, zip line, water park and amusement park projects. He also said modern sports complexes would be developed to promote sporting activities.
In addition, Naqvi sought a comprehensive plan to transform F-9 Park on the model of Hyde Park and to develop recreational facilities near Shahdara Dam. He also ordered the immediate start of beautification and lighting work on Islamabad Expressway and Club Road.
According to the press release, the meeting was informed that construction of the service road on Islamabad Expressway would begin after approval from the Planning Division.
