The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has issued a show-cause notice to Safa Homes, alleging that the housing project is carrying out development in Islamabad’s Zone-IV without obtaining the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) and Layout Plan (LOP) approval.
According to the notice, the project is being developed in violation of the CDA Ordinance, 1960, the ICT Zoning Regulations, 1992, and the Private Housing Schemes Regulations, 2023. The developers have been given seven days to explain why legal proceedings should not be initiated against them.
The CDA has directed the project sponsors to immediately halt all development activities, including the marketing, sale, purchase, allotment, and transfer of plots. The authority has also ordered the removal of all unauthorized structures and instructed the developers to stop the alleged illegal use of land within seven days.
The authority warned that failure to comply could result in demolition of unauthorized structures, sealing of the housing scheme and site offices, suspension of land use, and other enforcement measures with the assistance of law enforcement agencies. It added that the cost of the operation would be recovered from those responsible and that ex parte proceedings could also be initiated.
In its notice, the CDA cited several judgments of the Islamabad High Court and the Supreme Court of Pakistan affirming that private housing schemes cannot begin development without the authority’s approval. It reiterated that the CDA is the sole regulator responsible for approving and monitoring private housing projects in the Islamabad Capital Territory.
The notice also referred to court rulings directing the CDA to take action against housing schemes that violate approved layout plans or alter land reserved for public utilities. It emphasized that all private housing projects must secure the required approvals before commencing construction or development.
Additionally, the CDA cited a 2026 Islamabad High Court judgment reaffirming that the approval and modification of layout plans fall exclusively within the authority’s jurisdiction. The court also held that no legal rights can arise from unauthorized construction carried out in violation of planning laws.
The project sponsors have been offered an opportunity to submit a written response and appear for a personal hearing before the competent authority within seven days.
Copies of the notice have also been sent to the CDA Enforcement Wing, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, SSP Islamabad, Registrar Cooperative Societies, IESCO, SNGPL, and other relevant departments to facilitate enforcement. The authority has further directed concerned departments to ensure that utility connections and publicity are limited to housing schemes that have obtained the required approvals.
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