ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has finally announced the long-awaited Built-Up Property (BuP) award for Sector C-16, paving the way for the civic agency to take possession of the land and move forward with its development.
Sector C-16, located along the Margalla foothills, was acquired by the CDA in 2008 under the land-sharing formula, under which local landowners are given one kanal of developed plot in lieu of every four kanals of land surrendered. To compensate residents whose houses fall within the acquired area, the CDA also allots smaller-sized plots as rehabilitation benefits. It is pertinent to mention that a large tract of land in this sector belongs to the family of Dr. Touqeer Shah, the former Principal Secretary and current Adviser to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has reportedly been pushing the civic body to resolve long-pending issues related to the sector.
The BuP award essential for compensating the affected landowners for their houses and structures had remained pending for over 17 years. The delay had left hundreds of affected people in uncertainty, while the CDA was unable to initiate development work in the sector.
The announcement was made by CDA’s Deputy Commissioner, Sardar Mohammad Asif, who issued the formal award order earlier this week. According to the order, the BuP award has been announced after receiving the verified lists from Suparco.
The document stated that a total of 471 BuPs comprising 838 structures with covered areas exceeding 300 square feet, as well as several havelis smaller than 300 square feet, have been identified in Mouza Sangjani. In addition, 177 BuPs covering 277 structures and seven smaller havelis have been recorded in Mouza Saria Madu.
“After having receipt list from Suparco which is of 471 BuPs (838 structures) and covered area of more than 300 sq ft and Havelies covered area less than 300 sq ft of Mouza Sangjani and 177 BuPs (277 structures) covered area more than 300 sq ft and seven Havelies, covered area less than 300 sq ft of Mouza Saria Madu… the award of above-mentioned BuPs is hereby announced on 10-11-2025 and hereby acquired,” read the official order.
Officials said that with the BuP award now finalized, the CDA will be in a position to take full possession of the land and initiate development activities in Sector C-16, which has remained stalled for years due to unresolved compensation issues.
Sector C-16 is one of several sectors in Islamabad that have faced prolonged delays due to disputes over compensation and built-up property awards. The CDA recently restarted efforts to clear such bottlenecks as part of a broader drive to revive stalled housing sectors across the capital.
