ISLAMABAD: Affected landowners from five undeveloped sectors of the capital on Thursday staged a strong protest against the Capital Development Authority over a newly introduced rehabilitation policy, which they say violates their legal rights to compensation. Demonstrators gathered outside the National Press Club, raising slogans and holding placards against what they termed a discriminatory decision.

The protesters claimed that the new policy will deprive thousands of families of their rightful five-marla plots against built-up properties. Under the previous CDA land and rehabilitation framework, anyone possessing a 300 square feet covered house was entitled to a five-marla developed plot as compensation. Based on this policy, the CDA had already announced Built-up Property awards for earlier sectors, including C-13 in 2023.

The civic authority had acquired several sectors such as C-13, C-14, C-15, F-13, D-13, E-13, C-16 and H-16 during 2008 and 2009 under a land-sharing arrangement. Affected people were promised two types of compensation: one kanal developed plot against every four kanals of land and a five-marla plot in lieu of houses.

However, earlier this year, the CDA issued a new Statutory Regulatory Order directing that Built-up Property cases be decided based on Suparco satellite imagery of houses that existed in 2008 and 2009. Recently, awards for C-16 and H-16 were announced under this rule, with more sectors expected to follow.

This move triggered anger among residents, who argued that current ground realities must be considered instead of outdated imagery. They maintained that many homes were expanded or constructed after 2009 and deserve legitimate recognition.

Former deputy mayor and Prime Minister’s Youth Programme focal person Syed Zeeshan Naqvi joined the protest and pledged government support. Leaders of the Islamabad Affectees Alliance, along with political representatives, demanded the immediate withdrawal of the SRO and fair compensation in line with existing structures.