Capital Development Authority (CDA) has released an updated list of unapproved and illegal housing societies in the federal capital, as operations against illegal constructions and housing schemes continue across the city.
According to CDA officials, dozens of housing societies have emerged over the past few years, attracting hopeful buyers with promises of cheap plots, modern lifestyles, and quick returns on investment. However, thousands of people have reportedly fallen victim to fraud in different ways during this process.
The CDA has officially declared 98 housing and agro-farming schemes in Islamabad illegal, creating unrest in the real estate market. The authority warned the public that these schemes have no legal status and have not obtained the required approvals or No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
Despite this, many of these societies are reportedly still trapping innocent buyers through attractive offers of low-cost plots, farmhouses, and residential units.
The list of illegal housing societies includes schemes located on Kurri Road, Lehtrar Road, Simly Dam Road, Park Road, Bani Gala, and Islamabad Highway. Projects carrying well-known names such as Abdullah Gardens, various phases of Ghouri Town, Green Valley, Faisal Town, and dozens of others have also been included in the list, raising concerns among investors who have already conducted transactions with them.
Meanwhile, “Prison Welfare Stores” have been established in all central jails of Punjab, allowing prisoners to purchase 74 types of items at discounted prices.
The CDA emphasized that under the Ordinance 1960 and ICT Zoning Regulations 1992, it alone has the authority to regulate, approve, and monitor housing schemes in Islamabad. The authority clarified that every legal project must pass through a strict approval process, beginning with the approval of the layout plan, while the NOC is issued only after all conditions are fulfilled.
Officials stated that without phased clearances, any development work or sale of plots cannot be considered legally valid. Authorities have urged the public to take precautionary measures and verify any housing project through official CDA sources before making investments. Citizens were also advised to avoid schemes offering unusually cheap or rushed deals and to immediately report suspicious constructions or developments to the authorities.
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