The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to speed up development work in Islamabad’s long-delayed E-12 sector. The move has raised hopes among thousands of plot allottees who have waited decades for possession of their properties.
According to sources, CDA Chairman Lt retired Sohail Ashraf recently instructed the engineering wing to accelerate development activities in the sector. Officials said the authority plans to address several pending issues linked to the project.
A high-level meeting is expected to take place after Eid to review the latest progress in E-12 and discuss obstacles slowing down development work.
The E-12 sector was launched in 1989. More than 4,000 people were allotted plots with the promise that development would be completed within two years. However, after 37 years, much of the sector remains undeveloped.
During this period, several private housing schemes in Islamabad expanded rapidly, while development in E-12 faced continuous delays. Many allottees have repeatedly expressed frustration over the situation.
Sources said the CDA chairman has also directed the land directorate to resolve genuine compensation matters involving local landowners on a priority basis. Officials believe these unresolved issues have delayed development in several sectors of the capital.
Authorities currently have possession of land in nearly two sub-sectors of E-12. One sub-sector is still fully under adverse possession, while another remains partially occupied.
Some development work has already been completed in certain areas. This includes road sub-base construction and basic infrastructure activities. However, E-12/4 remains largely undeveloped.
Officials say the delay in launching and completing new residential sectors after D-12 in 2008 has increased pressure on Islamabad’s housing market. The shortage of affordable housing has also created difficulties for middle-income families.
The CDA is also facing similar issues in sectors E-13, F-13, and D-13. Development work in these areas remains stalled because of unresolved compensation and allotment disputes involving affected landowners.
Sources added that the authority has yet to complete balloting for compensation plots in several sectors, including C-15.
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Despite the challenges, officials claim the current CDA management is actively working to resolve long-standing issues in E-12. The authority hopes faster development will provide relief to allottees waiting for their plots for many years.
