ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced significant progress in its ongoing anti-encroachment operation, reporting that more than 80 per cent of illegal constructions and occupations along government land from GT Road Tarnol to the Sangjani Toll Plaza have been cleared.
According to CDA officials, the large-scale drive is being conducted in a systematic and phased manner to ensure complete removal of unauthorized structures. Along a six-kilometre stretch from the Sangjani Toll Plaza to the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) limits, 80 per cent of encroachments have already been removed.
The operation, carried out with the assistance of the MPO Directorate, has also targeted construction material dumping points. Authorities confirmed the sealing of several commercial establishments, including hotels and shops such as the well-known Pak Khyber Shinwari. Owners were issued notices prior to the closures.
In addition, enforcement teams have arrested 15 individuals, sealed 18 commercial outlets, and seized eight dumpers being used for illegal activities. Heavy machinery was deployed to demolish 38 under-construction illegal structures along a 3.5-kilometre section of the Rawat–T-Chowk vicinity. Officials also confirmed the removal of 18 unauthorized signboards as part of the clean-up campaign.
The CDA emphasized that the anti-encroachment operation is aimed at restoring government land and ensuring public spaces remain free from illegal occupation. Authorities underscored that such practices not only block development but also create long-term challenges for urban management and infrastructure expansion.
CDA officials reassured citizens that the campaign will continue without discrimination until all encroachments have been cleared. They further appealed for public cooperation, urging residents and business owners to avoid illegal construction and report any instances of unauthorized occupation to the authority.
By stepping up enforcement, the CDA hopes to send a strong message against encroachments, while simultaneously reclaiming valuable land for planned urban development in the capital.
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