ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority has intensified its crackdown on illegal constructions and encroachments in Islamabad, recovering more than 712 kanal of state land worth billions of rupees in an ongoing operation near the Diplomatic Enclave.

The grand operation, underway for over a month, is being carried out on the directions of CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. Officials said a comprehensive strategy has been adopted to reclaim government land from illegal occupants, after completing all legal formalities and issuing repeated notices to encroachers.

Deputy DG Enforcement Dr Anum Fatima is personally supervising the drive, while ADCG Sahibzada Yousaf from the ICT administration and SP Suleman from Islamabad Police are also monitoring the operation on the ground. A site office was established prior to the operation to review legal claims of residents, and announcements were made urging illegal occupants to vacate voluntarily.

During the operation, several unauthorized structures were demolished peacefully with the help of heavy machinery. Authorities have also begun registering FIRs against individuals involved in fraudulent purchase and sale of state land through fake stamp papers.

The CDA has appealed to residents to cooperate with the civic body and immediately report any illegal occupation in their areas. Officials said long-term measures are being taken to protect the retrieved land from future encroachments.

CDA Chairman Randhawa reiterated that eliminating illegal constructions and curbing land mafia activities is essential for maintaining Islamabad’s beauty and planned development. He said the ongoing operations will continue with zero tolerance, aiming to make the federal capital one of the most orderly and attractive cities in the world.

The civic agency noted that similar actions in recent months have resulted in the recovery of state land worth billions of rupees across the city.