ISLAMABAD: A growing housing crisis in the federal capital has come under renewed spotlight as the Capital Development Authority has failed to develop a single new residential sector in nearly two decades, leaving thousands of allottees in limbo and raising serious questions over urban planning failures.

Since the development of Sector D 12 in 2008, no fully developed new sector has been delivered despite rising demand for affordable housing. Sector E 12 remains the starkest symbol of delay, with allottees waiting 37 years for possession of plots originally promised within two years.

Officials say land possession disputes and unresolved compensation issues have slowed progress, particularly in E 12 where one entire sub sector remains occupied due to longstanding disagreements with local residents. Even so, many original allottees have passed away without receiving the plots they purchased decades ago.

The CDA claims progress has been made in sectors I 12, I 15 and C 14, with development nearing completion in some areas. Yet multiple sectors including C 13, E 13, F 13, H 16 and I 17 remain stalled, while several others face legal and possession hurdles that continue to block construction.

Urban experts warn the prolonged inaction has fueled a shortage of affordable housing and pushed citizens toward private housing societies, which have rapidly expanded as public sector development lagged. Critics argue the civic agency has prioritised other schemes while neglecting core sector development mandated under the city’s master plan.

With eight acquired sectors still dormant and nine more awaiting acquisition, pressure is mounting on the CDA to revive stalled projects and restore confidence among allottees. The deepening crisis has once again exposed the widening gap between Islamabad’s planning vision and on ground execution.