Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD:The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has retrieved more than 900 kanals of valuable state land during an ongoing anti-encroachment operation in the Diplomatic Enclave and adjoining areas, including the former Muslim Colony, officials said on Friday.The progress of the operation was reviewed at a meeting held at the CDA headquarters, chaired by Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa.Senior officials of the authority, including board members and representatives of enforcement, planning, and district administration, attended the meeting.Officials informed the meeting that the operation was conducted under the supervision of the Deputy Director General Enforcement and targeted land mafia and illegal constructions in sensitive areas of the federal capital.In compliance with orders of the Islamabad High Court, the meeting was told, local residents were given an opportunity to present their claims before the retrieval of state land.A site office was established on the chairman’s instructions, where officials from CDA’s Revenue and Planning Wings examined ownership documents and resolved legitimate cases under the law.Those possessing lawful ownership documents have been advised to approach the CDA for verification.Officials added that the enforcement drive is being carried out with the support of the Planning Wing, district administration, and Islamabad Police.The meeting was also informed that FIRs are being registered against individuals involved in illegal constructions and land grabbing. According to officials, legal action is being taken against those accused of occupying state land and misleading citizens.Chairman Randhawa emphasised that legitimate claims of citizens should be examined strictly in accordance with the law and assured that maximum facilitation would be provided.He reiterated the authority’s commitment to organised urban planning, protection of state land, and eliminating encroachments from Islamabad.The CDA appealed to citizens to cooperate with the administration and report any illegal construction or encroachment.Officials said that state land worth billions of rupees has so far been recovered as part of the ongoing campaign.
