The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is expected to hand over possession of plots in Islamabad’s E-12 sector within one to two months.
Many of them purchased plots from the CDA in 1989, with the expectation that development would be completed within a year.
Under the original plan, the plots were to be handed over in 1990.
However, delays have continued for over 30 years, leaving many allottees uncertain about when they will be able to build their homes.
Fresh timeline for possession
Officials now say possession of some plots could begin within one to two months.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told the National Assembly that development work in parts of the sector is close to completion.
According to the update, work in E-12/1 has been completed on available land.
Development in E-12/2 and E-12/3 is ongoing and may finish within two months, depending on site conditions.
Plots in areas where development is complete, and land is clear are expected to be handed over first.
Land disputes and encroachments
One of the main reasons for the delay has been disputes with landowners, often referred to as affectees.
Some have said they are still waiting for compensation or alternative plots before vacating the land.
CDA officials say many affectees have already been compensated, but some cases remain unresolved.
Until these issues are settled, development work cannot move forward fully.
Illegal encroachments have also slowed progress.
Authorities, including the CDA, Islamabad administration, and police, are working to remove these obstacles.
E-12/4 remains the most affected sub-sector, where development has yet to begin due to longstanding land issues.
Allottees express frustration
For many allottees, the delay has stretched across a lifetime.
One plot owner said his wife received an allotment letter in 1989 at the time of their marriage, but the sector has yet to be fully developed.
He said he has now retired from service and still does not see a clear path to building a home there.
CDA officials say the agency is focusing on stalled sectors, including E-12. The federal cabinet has also directed authorities to resolve the issue.
As part of the plan, some affectees may be offered alternative plots in other sectors, such as I-12, to help clear land for development.
Officials say progress will depend on resolving compensation claims and removing encroachments.
Progress in I-15 sector
While E-12 continues to face delays, work in another sector, I-15, has moved ahead.
Development there began last year, including the construction of roads and streets.
Out of around 10,000 plots, about 3,000 are said to be ready for possession.
Authorities expect the remaining work to be completed by the end of next year.
Tenders for further development in some sub-sectors are also expected soon.
The latest plan offers some hope to E-12 allottees, many of whom have waited decades.
However, the timeline will depend on how quickly remaining land and legal issues are resolved.
For now, CDA officials said that they are working to move the project forward and begin handing over plots where possible.
