More than 1,000 government residences in Islamabad are still under alleged illegal or irregular occupation linked to the CDA. The issue has raised serious concerns among officials and audit authorities.
According to official documents and audit objections, 1,083 houses from the Estate Office pool were supposed to be vacated. These residences were meant for fresh allotment to waiting federal employees.
However, the houses remain occupied. The required 5 percent normal rent has also not been deposited into the federal treasury. This has triggered administrative and financial concerns.
The matter has now reached both the Ministry of Housing and the Public Accounts Committee. Officials are reviewing the situation and seeking urgent action.
The Ministry of Housing has decided to present the issue before the CDA chairman. Meanwhile, the Public Accounts Committee has recommended immediate resolution by the housing secretary.
Under the Accommodation Allocation Rules 2002, most housing pools were to be closed. Only limited exempt categories were allowed to retain official residences. Despite this, many CDA officers reportedly continued occupying government houses.
Reports suggest that some officers were already allotted plots by CDA for personal housing construction. Even then, they continued to use official residences along with their allocated plots.
This situation has created long waiting lists for thousands of federal employees. Many workers are forced to live in rented private accommodation due to lack of official housing.
Documents also indicate that several original allottees have retired. In some cases, allotments were reportedly transferred to officers’ family members.
Another concern is the handling of rental deductions. The 5 percent rent collected from occupants was allegedly not fully deposited into the federal treasury. Instead, it was reportedly used within CDA operations.
Under existing Estate Office rules, allotments can be cancelled at any time. Authorities can also reclaim possession of the properties when required.
Despite these provisions, the 1,083 government houses have not yet been recovered. Officials say enforcement has been delayed due to administrative complications.
A special committee, including senior estate officials, has now been formed. It will engage with CDA and other departments to retrieve the occupied houses.
In other related news also read Government launches free mobile repairing course for women
The goal is to return the residences to the waiting list system. Authorities aim to ensure fair allocation of government housing across federal employees.
