ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority is facing growing scrutiny over a prolonged delay in implementing its landmark decision to provide pre approved building plans, raising serious questions about efficiency and transparency within the civic body.

The CDA board had approved the initiative in September 2023, directing officials to upload standardized residential and commercial building designs on its website within eight weeks. The move was widely praised as a major step toward simplifying the approval process and reducing public inconvenience.

However, more than two years later, the decision remains unimplemented. The delay has triggered concerns that internal resistance or bureaucratic inertia may be hindering a reform aimed at streamlining construction approvals and curbing corruption.

Officials familiar with the matter suggest that certain elements within the authority could be reluctant to adopt the system, as it minimizes discretionary powers in the building approval process. The proposed framework would allow citizens to select from multiple pre approved designs, eliminating the need for repeated visits to CDA offices.

The policy also includes strict compliance measures, making it mandatory for citizens to adhere to approved designs or risk denial of completion certificates. Experts say this could significantly improve urban planning standards and reduce illegal constructions in the capital.

CDA representatives maintain that the delay is technical rather than deliberate. They cite pending procurement of hardware infrastructure and staffing requirements for the online system. Authorities claim the software component is complete and assure that once technical arrangements are finalized, the long awaited initiative will be launched, promising a more transparent and citizen friendly building approval system.