The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has ordered the sealing of the site and management offices of Rawal Enclave, an unapproved housing scheme in Zone IV(D) of Islamabad, over alleged development activities carried out without the authority’s approval.
According to a CDA letter, development work at the housing scheme near Lehtrar Road, Tumair Link Road and Simly Dam Link Road was started without approval of the required Layout Plan and mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC).
The authority has declared the construction, development and use of land at the scheme illegal under the applicable laws and regulations.
CDA Orders Sealing of Rawal Enclave Offices
The CDA has directed its Directorate of Enforcement East to seal the marketing and site offices of Rawal Enclave under the Regulations for Planning and Development of Private Housing Schemes, 2023.
The action follows previous notices issued to the sponsors of the housing scheme.
The CDA said notices and show cause notices were issued on May 23, 2025, and May 20, 2026, directing the sponsors to stop development and other activities until the required approvals were obtained.
The sponsors were also instructed to halt the marketing, sale and purchase, allotment and transfer of plots and remove structures constructed without approval.
Development Allegedly Continued Without Approval
According to the authority, the management of the housing scheme allegedly failed to comply with the CDA’s directions and did not obtain the required approvals.
The CDA has therefore moved toward enforcement action against the scheme and its offices.
The sealing operation is intended to prevent further unauthorized marketing and development activities at the site.
The authority has also requested the presence of a magistrate during the sealing operation to facilitate the enforcement process.
Illegal Buildings Also Face Action
Along with sealing the offices, the CDA has directed its enforcement and building control wings to take action against illegal buildings and structures associated with the scheme.
The move forms part of the authority’s broader enforcement measures against private housing schemes operating without the necessary planning and development approvals.
Under the applicable regulations, housing schemes are required to obtain the relevant approvals before development, marketing and other activities can proceed.
The CDA’s latest action indicates that the authority intends to enforce these requirements in the Rawal Enclave case.
Electricity and Gas Connections Restricted
The CDA has also issued directions concerning utility connections for the housing scheme.
The authority instructed IESCO and SNGPL to provide electricity and gas connections only in accordance with approved layout and building plans.
The measure is aimed at ensuring that utility services are not extended to unauthorized developments or structures that do not comply with approved plans.
Relevant departments have also been asked to prevent advertisements by unapproved housing schemes.
Online Promotion Could Face Restrictions
The CDA has further indicated that it may take action against the online promotion of unapproved housing schemes.
The authority may approach the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to seek restrictions on websites and online platforms being used to advertise or promote such schemes.
The step could affect the ability of unapproved housing projects to market plots and attract prospective buyers through digital channels.
The CDA’s approach reflects growing attention toward unauthorized housing developments and their marketing activities in the Islamabad Capital Territory.
CDA Warns Against Unauthorized Housing Development
The Rawal Enclave case highlights the importance of obtaining planning approvals before starting development or marketing activities.
According to the CDA, the housing scheme began development without an approved Layout Plan and mandatory NOC, making the construction and land use illegal under the applicable regulations.
The authority has already issued multiple notices and directed the sponsors to stop development and remove unauthorized structures.
With the Enforcement East Directorate now ordered to seal the site’s marketing and management offices, the CDA is moving toward direct enforcement.
The involvement of the enforcement and building control wings, along with the instructions issued to utility providers, could further restrict operations at the unapproved scheme.
The CDA’s latest measures are intended to prevent unauthorized development, marketing and construction while ensuring that private housing schemes comply with Islamabad’s planning and development regulations.
Prospective buyers are also generally advised to verify the approval status of a housing scheme and its layout plan with the relevant authority before purchasing property.
