ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has renewed its commitment to strictly implementing Islamabad’s original master plan, citing the urgent need to address unregulated construction and maintain the city’s planned identity. Speaking at the commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the master plan, the CDA chairman emphasized that unchecked expansion in peripheral and rural zones is placing unprecedented pressure on the capital’s infrastructure, environment and service delivery systems.

The event coincided with World Cities Day and brought together government planners, urban architects and civic administration officials. The CDA chairman highlighted that Islamabad was envisioned as a carefully structured city with distinct residential, commercial and ecological zones. However, over recent years, settlement patterns have shifted aggressively beyond controlled sectors, especially in areas bordering Margalla Hills, Tarnol, Lehtrar Road, Bhara Kahu and along the Islamabad Expressway corridor.

Officials acknowledged that unplanned housing clusters, commercial plazas built without approvals and informal settlements are reshaping land use in ways that undermine zoning rules. The chairman confirmed that the CDA has prepared new enforcement guidelines and will present a revised master plan commission summary to the federal cabinet for final approval. The revision process has faced delays for several years, partly due to overlapping jurisdictional concerns and disputes between public and private landholders.

Experts attending the event noted that rising population pressure, rapid real estate activity and speculation-driven development have intensified the strain on utilities and mobility networks. They stressed that without clear, enforced planning frameworks, Islamabad risks losing its original identity as a green, low-density and well-organized capital.

The CDA also reaffirmed that future development will prioritize sustainable land management, preservation of green spaces and integration of public transport systems. Senior officials stated that construction permissions will now be tied to stricter environmental and infrastructure impact evaluations.

The authority plans to launch awareness campaigns to inform citizens, land developers and businesses about the master plan’s provisions. Enforcement mechanisms are expected to be strengthened in the coming weeks.