ISLAMABAD: The Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and Capital Development Authority (CDA) are facing criticism from applicants of the Margalla Enclave project after launching a new registration campaign that requires payment of fresh registration and processing dues — even though thousands had already applied and paid during the earlier phase.
The joint venture, known as Margalla Enclave, had already attracted around 47,000 applications during the first phase, following CDA’s transfer of 10,000 kanals of land in the Kuri area to DHA. However, before completing allotments and development for that batch, DHA has now opened Margalla Enclave Phase-II on another 8,300 kanals of CDA land — 7,800 kanals in Kuri and 500 kanals in Humak — and started collecting new applications with processing fees.
This move has drawn criticism from citizens who argue that the new drive amounts to double charging. Many applicants from the earlier phase demand that those who were not allotted plots in the last balloting should be automatically included in the fresh balloting, without being asked to pay again.
“We have already paid once for the same project. The new phase is just an extension, so DHA should not ask for another round of non-refundable payments,” said one applicant who participated in the earlier phase.
Under the newly announced payment plan, plot prices start at Rs 15.5 million for 125-square-yard plots, Rs 30 million for 250-square-yard plots, and Rs 56 million for 500-square-yard plots. Installment options extend up to three years, with processing fees of Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 per application, all non-refundable and exclusive of taxes and DHA charges.
Real estate experts have echoed public concerns, saying that since Margalla Enclave Phase-II is essentially an extension of the same joint venture, DHA could have maintained continuity by carrying forward unallotted applicants instead of collecting fresh dues.
The authorities have yet to clarify whether previous applicants will receive any preference or financial adjustment in the new phase. For now, growing frustration among earlier participants highlights the need for greater transparency and fairness in Islamabad’s largest ongoing housing collaboration.
