The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched a crackdown on encroachments, illegal constructions and buildings that do not comply with approved plans along Islamabad Expressway.
The operation is being carried out by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in cooperation with the district administration and Islamabad Police.
Officials have so far taken action against more than 50 construction units, including properties along the Sohan-Iqbal Town stretch and areas between Korang Bridge, Korang Police Station and Gulberg Greens.
The CDA said some commercial buildings had violated approved construction plans and did not have mandatory fire safety arrangements.
The authority said notices had been issued to property owners before the action, giving them time to address violations, complete fire safety measures, regularise their buildings and clear outstanding government dues.
According to a CDA spokesman, the notice period has expired, but several owners failed to comply with the requirements.
The authority has now begun sealing and enforcement action under building control regulations and is surveying other areas along the expressway to identify further violations.
The CDA said commercial buildings must comply with approved plans and maintain essential fire safety measures, including emergency exits and fire-fighting equipment.
The department has ordered the removal of illegal structures, constructions and unauthorised occupants from its water supply installations across Islamabad.
A directive issued by the CDA Directorate of Water Supply on 9 September said unauthorised structures had been identified at water works, sumps, tube wells, and overhead and underground water tanks.
The authority said additional rooms and quarters had been constructed without approval and in violation of layouts originally sanctioned by the CDA.
Deputy directors have been directed to clear CDA land of unauthorised occupants and demolish structures built without permission. The operation will be carried out in coordination with the CDA’s Enforcement Directorate, police and other relevant agencies.
The directive also highlighted cases where occupants were using electricity and gas without separate utility meters.
The CDA ordered that each allotted quarter should have separate utility connections, with the occupants responsible for paying the bills.
Officials have been given 25 days to complete the operation and submit compliance reports to the authority.
The CDA has warned that disciplinary action could be taken against officials who fail to implement the orders.
