ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to withdraw the 140-acre offer earlier made to the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) for setting up the Islamabad Technopolis near Chak Shahzad.
According to a newspaper report, the civic body will now develop the land itself and auction the plots, while STZA will act as a facilitator and licensing authority.
CDA to Develop and Auction Land:
According to officials, the decision was made during a meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa and attended by CDA board members and STZA representatives. It was agreed that the land will remain CDA property, and all development and auction work will be carried out by the civic agency.
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A few years ago, the CDA — after getting approval from the federal cabinet — had allocated the land to STZA and issued an offer letter for depositing its cost. However, STZA failed to make the payment, leading CDA to reclaim the land.
Land Located in Zone III:
The site falls within Islamabad’s Zone III, where construction activities are generally restricted under CDA regulations. Locals have also been stopped from building even small houses on their land.
Despite the ban, unapproved constructions continue as CDA has neither acquired the land nor framed proper regulations for the zone.
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However, CDA officials said the federal cabinet had earlier approved the establishment of the Technopolis in this area. “Since the cabinet gave approval, there is no legal bar to the project now,” an official clarified.
The official added that CDA will now take back full control of the land, prepare a new layout plan, and auction plots to investors, while STZA will issue licenses to technology companies that set up operations there.
Islamabad Technopolis Vision:
According to CDA’s working paper, the Islamabad Technopolis aims to serve as a hub for technology growth, attracting foreign direct investment and creating jobs in the IT sector.
The project is expected to become a preferred destination for global tech firms and expatriate professionals due to its advanced infrastructure and tax incentives.
STZA was established to promote Pakistan’s technology ecosystem by providing legislative and institutional support, fostering innovation, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
