CDA - Private Housing Schemes

1. In the interest of the general public and other stakeholders, it is informed that, as per ICT (Zoning) Regulations, 1992, amended from time to time, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) has been divided into Five Zones. Two Zones out of Five Zones, i.e., Zone-2 and Zone-5 were earmarked for planning and development of housing schemes by the private sector, i.e., Co-operative Housing Societies / Private Limited Companies, in 1992. Such private schemes are also allowed in Sector E-11, Islamabad. Subsequently, in 2010, the Federal Government also allowed such Private Housing and Farm Housing Schemes in Zone-4 of ICT.

2. CDA has been regulating planning and development of private housing schemes in said zones under ICT (Zoning) Regulation, 1992 and the modalities and procedures framed thereunder, till June-2023. Then, Regulation for Planning and Development of Private Housing/Farm Housing, Apartments and Commercial Schemes/Projects in Zones-2, 4 & 5 of Islamabad Capital Territory, 2023, framed under ICT Zoning Regulation, 1992, was gazette-notified vide No. S.R.O 886(I)/2023, dated 07-07-2023. Two-step approval of private schemes is granted by CDA: in the first step, Layout Plan (LOP) is approved, and upon completion of subsequent formalities, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for development of the scheme is issued. CDA also issues a Completion Certificate after completion of development in the scheme as per the approved Layout Plan, design of services, and approved specifications.

3. In compliance with the orders of the Islamabad High Court in WP Nos. 2646/2014 and 2884/2014 and subsequently in ICA Nos. 83/2017, 84/2017, 20/2018 and 21/2018 dated 12-07-2018, CDA started exercising Building Control in private housing schemes. Two additional Directorates of Building Control (North and South) were established as an outcome of said landmark judgments. Allotments and transfer of plots in private housing schemes, however, are still made by the respective sponsors, without any check or involvement of CDA.

4. Deputy Commissioner / Registrar, Co-operative Societies, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICT), Islamabad, is responsible for registration, administrative affairs, financial matters, elections, holding of Annual General Meetings (AGMs), allotment / auction of plots, annual audit, etc. of Co-operative Housing Societies, under the provisions of the Co-operative Societies Act, 1925 and Rules of 1927. The Securities Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) regulates the affairs of Private Limited Companies under Section-456 of the SECP Act, 2017. CDA, on the other hand, regulates the planning and development of the housing schemes planned, launched, and developed by Co-operative Housing Societies and Private Limited Companies, etc.