The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration have taken possession of five commercial plazas in Mouza Malpur along Murree Road as part of an ongoing operation to recover government land allegedly occupied over the past two decades.
The operation was carried out on Friday evening, October 23, with support from the CDA Enforcement Directorate and Islamabad Police. The five commercial buildings were vacated and their possession was formally handed over to the CDA for further action.
According to officials, the broader recovery campaign targets approximately 108 kanals of government land in the Malpur area near Bhara Kahu. A survey identified two fuel stations, nine commercial plazas, 25 houses and two warehouses on the disputed land.
The operation follows directions from Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who instructed Islamabad’s chief commissioner and CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf to ensure uniform enforcement of anti-encroachment laws. The authorities say the campaign will proceed on the basis of verified land records and applicable legal procedures. (Source: Dawn)
CDA Takes Possession of Five Commercial Plazas
The latest operation focused on five commercial plazas in Mouza Malpur, where authorities have been working to recover land they say belongs to the government.
The ICT Administration coordinated with the CDA Enforcement Directorate and Islamabad Police to carry out the action. Officials said the buildings were vacated and control was formally transferred to the CDA.
The five plazas represent part of a wider investigation into properties allegedly constructed or occupied on state land. According to the administration, the total area under scrutiny is approximately 108 kanals, which is equivalent to around 13.5 acres.
The survey identified several categories of structures on the disputed land, including commercial buildings, fuel stations, residential properties and warehouses.
Authorities have not announced that every property identified in the survey has been cleared. Some establishments reportedly have court-issued stay orders, meaning further action against them must follow the relevant judicial process.
The recovery campaign is expected to continue as officials verify ownership documents and determine the legal status of individual properties.
Survey Identifies Nine Plazas, 25 Houses and Two Fuel Stations
The administration’s survey identified two fuel stations, nine commercial plazas, 25 houses and two warehouses in the area under investigation.
Officials are examining whether the properties occupy government land and whether the documents presented by occupants correspond to the actual locations of the structures.
The authorities say the suspected encroachments developed over approximately 20 years, making verification of historical land records an important part of the recovery process.
The investigation has also drawn attention to the commercial value of the properties. Officials reported that one of the disputed plazas was sold for Rs5 crore approximately five months before the operation.
The reported transaction has added to concerns about how properties with disputed ownership claims were marketed and transferred.
However, the ownership status and circumstances of each property must be assessed individually through the relevant land records and legal procedures.
Revenue Records Reveal Alleged Property Document Discrepancies
A central part of the investigation involves discrepancies discovered during the examination of land ownership documents.
According to officials, some individuals allegedly relied on records associated with different khasra numbers in the neighbouring Mouza Kot Hathial to justify possession of land in Mouza Malpur along Murree Road.
A khasra number is a land-record identifier used to identify a particular parcel or subdivision of land.
The administration established a special one-day verification camp where occupants were asked to produce documents supporting their ownership claims.
During the review, officials reportedly found cases in which sale deeds described land located approximately 1.5 kilometres away from the properties actually occupied.
These discrepancies raised concerns that documents relating to land in one location may have been used to support claims over properties in another.
The authorities are examining the records to determine whether fraudulent transactions or other legal violations occurred. The allegations remain subject to investigation, and responsibility must be established through the appropriate legal process.
FIRs and Legal Proceedings Being Prepared
Officials have said that legal proceedings, including the registration of first information reports (FIRs), are being initiated in cases involving suspected fraudulent land transactions.
The purpose of these proceedings is to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disputed ownership documents and identify those who may have been involved in any unlawful activity.
The administration’s verification process is intended to establish which properties occupy government land and whether the documents presented by their occupants are valid.
Cases involving potential fraud will require examination of the relevant records and evidence before further legal action is determined.
Authorities have also indicated that the recovery campaign will continue as additional cases are reviewed.
Mohsin Naqvi Directs Uniform Enforcement
The operation followed a recent visit by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who directed the Islamabad administration and CDA leadership to take action against encroachments without discrimination.
The instructions were addressed to Islamabad’s chief commissioner, CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf and other relevant officials.
The stated objective is to apply land and encroachment laws consistently, regardless of the commercial nature or value of a property.
The direction places responsibility on the administration to verify ownership claims, identify unauthorised occupation and pursue the necessary legal procedures.
Officials have also said that the government intends to recover state land through documented verification rather than relying solely on physical possession or assumptions about property ownership.
The operation forms part of a broader enforcement effort in Islamabad, where authorities have been investigating alleged encroachments and unauthorised construction on public land.
CDA Says Court Orders Will Be Respected
Deputy Director General Enforcement CDA Dr Anum Fatima said that enforcement action would continue against establishments found to be unlawfully occupying government land.
She also acknowledged that certain properties were covered by court-issued stay orders.
The CDA has stated that it will respect judicial directions while approaching the relevant courts to challenge or seek relief from orders where appropriate.
This means properties covered by stay orders may require additional legal proceedings before authorities can take further enforcement action.
Officials have reiterated that the recovery drive will rely on verified revenue records, lawful proceedings and consistent application of the law.
The approach is intended to resolve disputed ownership claims while ensuring that enforcement measures comply with applicable judicial requirements.
What Happens Next in the Malpur Land Case?
The recovery of the five commercial plazas marks a significant step in the administration’s stated effort to reclaim the disputed 108 kanals of land along Murree Road.
However, the wider operation remains ongoing. The survey identified additional buildings and properties whose ownership records and legal status are still under scrutiny.
Authorities are expected to continue examining land documents, pursue cases involving suspected fraudulent transactions and approach the courts where stay orders prevent further action.
For property owners and potential buyers, the case highlights the importance of checking land ownership records, khasra numbers and official demarcation before completing a transaction.
The authorities have said that the campaign will continue on the basis of verified records and due legal process.
For now, five commercial plazas have been vacated and placed under CDA control, while the investigation into other properties in Mouza Malpur continues.
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