The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has taken possession of 26 flats in Islamabad’s G-6 housing complex. The flats were previously under illegal occupation by CDA employees. However, around 174 flats remain occupied, mostly by police personnel and other government employees.
According to officials, the civic agency had planned a large-scale operation on Thursday. It also sought police assistance before launching the drive. However, authorities postponed the wider operation after several occupants began vacating the flats voluntarily.
CDA Plans Wider Eviction Drive
CDA spokesperson Shahid Kiani said written eviction orders prompted some occupants to leave the premises. Therefore, the authority delayed the planned operation. He added that action would follow against those refusing to vacate the flats voluntarily.
Sources said the CDA intends to recover all 200 flats from illegal occupants. After renovations, the authority plans to auction the apartments in the open market. Consequently, officials expect the project to generate more than Rs8 billion in revenue.
The CDA originally built the flats near Aabpara Market for government employees. However, authorities never completed the transfer process to the housing ministry. Following the 2005 earthquake, displaced families temporarily occupied the apartments.
Court Orders Support CDA Action
Police personnel later moved into several flats after the 2007 Lal Masjid operation. Since then, many government employees have continued living in the buildings. Moreover, officials claimed some occupants illegally rented out several apartments.
The housing project formed part of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s redevelopment vision. It aimed to promote vertical housing and replace outdated government quarters. Additionally, the project sought to preserve Islamabad’s valuable land resources.
The Islamabad High Court declared the occupation illegal, while the Supreme Court dismissed subsequent appeals. The courts also directed authorities to register criminal cases against illegal occupants and initiate departmental proceedings. Recently, the CDA issued notices to all occupants before beginning the recovery process.
