CDA Continues Comprehensive Operation Against Encroachments, Illegal and Non Conforming Constructions Along Islamabad Expressway Service Road East

Date: Sep 14, 2026

Islamabad, September 13, 2026: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched a comprehensive operation against encroachments, illegal and unauthorized constructions along both sides of Islamabad Expressway to ensure compliance with building by laws, recovery of government dues, and protection of citizens' lives and property. In this regard, the Building Control Section (BCS) and Enforcement Directorate, CDA in collaboration with the District Administration and Islamabad Police, have formally commenced a sealing and regularization campaign against construction units located along Islamabad Expressway Service Road East. The primary objective of this special campaign is to bring illegal, unauthorized, and non conforming constructions along Islamabad Expressway Service Road East within the legal framework, ensure uniform enforcement of building by laws, safeguard government revenue, and provide citizens with safe, organized, and quality urban facilities. The operation is an important part of CDA's policy to maintain Islamabad's planned development, construction discipline, and a safe urban environment. CDA's action has so far been taken against more than 50 construction units found in violation of the applicable building control regulations. These include 34 construction units along the Sohan to Iqbal Town stretch and 24 construction units along the Korang Bridge to Korang Police Station and Gulberg Greens stretch. Furthermore, illegal construction units have been identified for legal action, while the survey of the remaining area and identification of violations are still underway. CDA said, that the commercial buildings sealed during the campaign were found to be in violation of building by laws, involved in non conforming use, and lacking the required fire safety arrangements. Before initiating action, notices were issued to the concerned owners and individuals in accordance with the law, providing them with reasonable time to comply with building by laws, rectify unauthorized use, complete fire safety arrangements, and regularize their constructions. They were also repeatedly informed of the requirement to pay applicable government dues and obtain the necessary approvals under the relevant laws. Despite the expiry of the time period specified in the notices issued by CDA, several owners and concerned individuals failed to fulfill the legal requirements, pay the required dues, or rectify the identified violations. Consequently, action is being taken against them without discrimination in accordance with the prescribed legal procedure. The CDA's action against illegal constructions will be based on the law, available records, and the applicable building control regulations. Non conforming commercial constructions along Islamabad Expressway Service Road East are creating significant challenges with regard to the protection of government revenue, construction discipline, and public safety. Issues relating to the approval of building plans, payment of regularization fees, and other applicable government dues have also been identified in several units. Moreover, the absence of required fire safety arrangements in commercial buildings may pose serious risks to the lives and property of citizens, business owners, and occupants. The CDA emphasis that fire safety is not merely a legal requirement but a fundamental responsibility for protecting human lives. Therefore, ensuring approved building plans, safe building use, emergency exits, fire safety equipment, and other essential safety arrangements in commercial buildings is imperative. The concerned CDA departments are also providing guidance, in accordance with the prescribed procedures, for fulfilling these requirements and obtaining the necessary legal approvals. The CDA has appealed to citizens, business owners, and owners of construction units to immediately review the building plans, usage, construction permits, and fire safety arrangements of their buildings and commercial units. Where necessary, they should obtain legal approvals, regularization, and other required permissions from the relevant CDA departments and ensure timely payment of government dues. The CDA reiterated that enforcement of the law, protection of government revenue, safeguarding the lives and property of citizens, and maintaining Islamabad as a well-planned, safe, and beautiful federal capital are among the Authority's top priorities. Accordingly, action against illegal constructions and violations of building by laws will continue without discrimination under the relevant laws