The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is facing questions over its decision to include 250 acres of land meant for the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in the Margalla Enclave housing project.
The land was originally reserved for two public-sector universities. However, it was later included in a housing project being developed by the CDA and the Defence Housing Authority (DHA).
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the matter and asked for an immediate report.
According to reports, the Prime Minister’s Office contacted the CDA after the issue appeared in the media. CDA then began preparing a report for the prime minister.
HEC paid Rs1.3 billion for land
The disputed land is located in the Kuri area of Islamabad.
In 2008, the HEC paid Rs1.3 billion to the CDA to acquire the 250-acre land.
The land was intended for two public-sector universities, including an engineering university and a law university.
However, the CDA later included the same land in Margalla Enclave, a housing project covering around 18,000 kanals.
The CDA in return proposed giving the HEC a smaller plot in Sector I-17.
The two universities would receive a total of 40 acres, under the proposal.
The engineering university would get 25 acres, while the law university would receive 15 acres.
However, HEC reportedly rejected the proposal during a recent meeting at the Interior Ministry, and raised concerns about the major reduction in land area.
The HEC had originally paid for 250 acres, but the replacement offer covered only 40 acres.
The dispute remains unresolved, and no final agreement has been announced.
The CDA board is expected to review the matter again at its meeting on Monday, October 19.