ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has ordered the start of sealing proceedings against Bahria Town’s marketing and site/management offices in Bahria Enclave, Zone IV, Islamabad, over alleged violations including unauthorized expansion, construction without approval and encroachment on CDA land.
According to a letter issued by the CDA’s Directorate General of Special Planning and Directorate of Regional Planning, the Directorate of Enforcement has been directed to initiate sealing action against relevant offices of Bahria Town Private Limited at the New Bahria Head Office in Business District and Bahria Enclave, Zone IV.
The CDA said the approved layout plan for Bahria Enclave Phase-I covers 12,543 kanals, but alleged that the housing scheme was subsequently expanded to more than 18,000 kanals. According to the authority, development work, plot sales and construction were carried out in the additional area without the required approvals.
The authority further alleged that certain portions of land were not included in the original approved layout plan and were shown as vacant pockets because their ownership was unclear at the time of approval. The CDA claimed that development and construction were later carried out in these unapproved pockets without prior approval of an amended layout plan or individual building plans.
The CDA said it had issued letters to Bahria Town on March 6, 2025, March 12, 2025, and March 24, 2026, directing it to immediately stop development work in the unapproved pockets and submit the required documents, maps and fees for approval of a revised layout plan. The authority said the directions were not complied with.
The letter also alleged that construction of unauthorized buildings and the sale and purchase of plots continued in the unapproved areas, which the CDA described as violations of the CDA Ordinance, 1960, and relevant rules and regulations.
Dispute Over Expansion of Approved Area
According to the CDA, Bahria Enclave was approved over an area of 12,543 kanals but was allegedly expanded to more than 18,000 kanals without obtaining the required layout plan, NOC and building plan approvals.
The authority also alleged that land designated for a park under the approved layout plan was converted for commercial use. The CDA said multiple letters, notices and show-cause notices had previously been issued over the matter.
Alleged Encroachment on CDA Land
The CDA letter also refers to alleged encroachment on its land within Bahria Enclave. The authority said development work and buildings had been constructed on the land and that multiple notices had been issued between 2012 and 2026.
The CDA alleged that the land had not been vacated despite those notices.
The authority further stated that Bahria Town had agreed through an affidavit in February 2012 to construct two link roads, including a 3.5-kilometre Jinnah Avenue Link Road from Kari Village, but claimed that the road had not yet been constructed.
The CDA also alleged that an access route from the old Kari Road to Bahria Enclave was constructed on its land.
Two Different Layout Plans Identified
The CDA’s Regional Planning Directorate also raised objections regarding layout plans available in its records, stating that two different plans had been found.
According to the authority, a review of the plans revealed discrepancies in the areas allocated for parks, playgrounds and green spaces, with an overall shortfall of more than 200 kanals identified.
The CDA said the issue had also been brought to Bahria Town’s attention on March 31, 2026.
The CDA has directed Bahria Town to comply with all conditions of the approved layout plan and NOC and to pay outstanding fees, fines and other financial dues.
The authority also directed the company to remove allegedly illegal buildings and structures constructed on CDA land, dismantle the access route allegedly built on CDA land from the old Kari Road, and obtain the required layout plan, NOC and building plan approvals for development carried out in the unapproved pockets.
The CDA warned that further action could be taken under the relevant laws in case of continued violations, including the removal of unauthorized structures.
Further Legal Action Possible
According to the letter, the CDA had previously warned Bahria Town that failure to comply could lead to the matter being referred to investigative agencies, including the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) or Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Other possible measures mentioned included restricting access to the housing scheme, suspending approval of building plans and taking action concerning plots mortgaged with the CDA.
The authority also said that sealing the scheme’s offices and taking back possession of illegal structures established on CDA land could form part of further action.
Final Show-Cause Notice
The CDA said Bahria Town had been given an opportunity for a personal hearing. Following the hearing, a final show-cause notice was issued on September 9, 2026, to which Bahria Town submitted a response on September 15.
The CDA said it did not find the response satisfactory, describing it as lacking, in the authority’s assessment, sufficient factual and logical basis.
Sealing Proceedings Initiated
The CDA has now directed its Directorate of Enforcement to begin sealing proceedings against Bahria Town’s marketing and site offices, citing the relevant regulations.
The Regional Planning Directorate will be represented during the sealing operation by Deputy Director Abdullah Khan, according to the letter.
The development comes as the CDA continues action against alleged illegal housing schemes, encroachments and unauthorized construction in Islamabad. Recent public notices issued by the authority have also listed sealing operations against site and management offices of various housing schemes.
