ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has completed a massive land recovery operation in Noor Pur Shahan, successfully retrieving approximately 612 acres of prime state land worth billions of rupees.
The operation, which took over a six-month period and is still going on, saw the relocation of roughly 3,500 households and restoration of public property that had been under illegal occupation for decades.
An official report shared by CDA with this scribe revealed that the recovered land is part of a larger 2,146-acre tract originally acquired by the state in the early 1960s to facilitate the capital’s development.
The retrieval initiative follows a comprehensive legal background rooted in three statutory awards issued in 1961, 1963 and 1964.
Under the historical compensation framework, the CDA provided extensive packages to original landowners, including the allotment of 100 kanals of irrigated agricultural land in Punjab for every 4 kanals of cultivable land lost.
Records show that approximately 4,900 kanals were allotted in Punjab colony districts, 357 awardees received eligibility certificates and over 200 residential plots were provided in Islamabad’s Sector I-9.
Furthermore, nearly Rs3.128 million was disbursed among 800 households for built-up property claims, ensuring all legitimate awardees were compensated at the time of acquisition.
The physical clearance was executed in a structured, Muhallah-wise approach that began in late 2025. The first major phase focused on Muslim Colony, where approximately 2,200 houses were demolished between November and December.
A second phase followed from January to February 2026, clearing 1,000 units across Muhallah Aspalal, Lala Ji Sarkar, Nirola and Nareel.
The operation finally concluded in mid-April after the High Court vacated a stay order on Noori Bagh, allowing for the removal of the remaining 70 houses and 35 shops.
Authorities emphasised that the enforcement actions targeted areas strictly outside the notified Noor Pur Shahan Model Village boundary.
Investigations conducted during the process revealed that the encroachments had evolved beyond low-income settlements into organised commercial exploitations. Many already-compensated occupants had reportedly expanded their original holdings unlawfully to construct large private residences, holiday homes and rented farmhouses on state land.
In several instances, the acquired land was being used for rental income and storage facilities, prompting the CDA to initiate FIRs against those involved in organised encroachment and unauthorised commercial use.
The CDA maintained that the entire operation followed due process, starting with phased notices and site hearings conducted by the deputy commissioner to adjudicate remaining claims. A formal speaking order issued on January 19, 2026, declared the occupations illegal and attained full legal finality after not being appealed.
By reclaiming this valuable public land, officials noted that the authority has successfully aligned its enforcement with the original intent of 1960s acquisitions, ensuring state-owned property is restored for rightful public use.
