The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved, in principle, a comprehensive zoning reform plan aimed at enhancing environmental conservation around the Margalla Hills National Park. The proposal is designed to regulate future development, protect ecologically sensitive areas, and improve land-use management in regions surrounding the national park.
Under the proposed reforms, the CDA plans to acquire certain privately owned lands and impose restrictions on new construction activities in selected areas until the revised zoning framework is formally approved and implemented. Officials believe the measures will help preserve the natural environment while ensuring sustainable urban planning.
According to official documents, the CDA Board has endorsed amendments to the ICT Zoning Regulations, 1992, specifically concerning Zone-3. A six-member high-level committee has also been established to finalize recommendations and prepare a detailed framework. Once completed, the recommendations will be submitted to the Federal Cabinet for final approval.
As part of the proposal, the existing notified area of Margalla Hills National Park will continue to remain within Zone-3. However, nearby settlements including Shahdara, Talhar, and Gokina, which are located on the outskirts of the park and have not yet been acquired, will be included in a newly proposed Zone-3A.
The CDA intends to acquire land within these areas and suspend further construction and development activities until the new zoning regulations become effective. The objective is to prevent unregulated expansion and safeguard environmentally important regions.
The proposal also introduces Zone-1A, covering land situated between the national park and residential sectors extending north of Margalla Avenue toward Sector C-16. The CDA plans to acquire private land in this zone and develop housing and planning schemes in accordance with Zone-1 regulations. Existing villages will be regulated within defined limits, while additional construction on privately owned land will be restricted.
Another proposed category, Zone-4E, will cover areas located between Margalla Hills National Park and Murree Road/Srinagar Highway. In this zone, private developers may undertake approved development projects under CDA regulations after obtaining necessary permissions.
The newly formed committee will prepare draft regulations covering land use, planning policies, village data, and population details. Following approval by the CDA Board and Federal Cabinet, the authority will implement development controls and building regulations for the newly designated zones, strengthening environmental protection around the Margalla Hills region.
