ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has canceled a previous notice about charging high development fees to people who received plots in residential sectors under a land acquisition and land-sharing agreement.
According to the private newspaper report, Samina Pasha, Director of Land and Rehabilitation, issued a new notice that canceled an earlier one dated May 7, 2025, which she had also signed. The earlier notice stated that the CDA planned to charge Rs9,000 per square yard for development in sectors C-13, C-14, C-15, C-16, C-17, I-11, I-12, I-14, and I-15.
This decision was based on a CDA Board meeting held on August 13, 2024. However, the plan caused concern among plot owners, who criticized and protested the fees. The new notice clarified that the board’s decision from August 13, 2024, does not apply, as per Section 3 of the Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation Regulation 2007, which ensures developed plots are provided to affected landowners without such charges.
In a separate CDA Board meeting on Wednesday, chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, the board decided to award the development contract for Margalla Enclave Phase-II through a government-to-government and joint venture approach.
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According to a CDA spokesperson, this contract will follow Section 42-F of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules, which allow government organizations to collaborate on projects. The board also approved an updated layout plan for sector C-13 under the Land Disposal Regulation 2005.
The revised plan includes space for residential and commercial apartments, parking, and public buildings. Additionally, the board agreed to repair water systems, water tankers, and upgrade tubewells to improve water supply in the city.
The CDA also announced plans to improve Islamabad’s infrastructure. These include upgrading Melody Food Street, creating a new food street in Blue Area, and improving traffic flow to reduce congestion.
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Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa led a high-level meeting at CDA Headquarters with board members and senior officials. He directed officials to improve food quality across the city and expand recreational facilities. For Melody Food Street, he ordered better lighting, dedicated parking, and stricter food quality checks by the Islamabad Food Authority.
The new food street in Blue Area will feature landscaping, decorative lighting, and sufficient parking. Randhawa said, “Melody Food Street is an important place, and we want people to enjoy good food in a well-maintained area.
The Blue Area food street will give more choices to residents and visitors.” To tackle increasing traffic issues, especially on weekends, he instructed officials to create an effective traffic plan for major city areas. The CDA also plans to set up designated vehicle markets to organize auto-related businesses.
