CDA withdraws Bahria Town Phase III-E, IV plans

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has cancelled the approved layout plan for Bahria Town Phases III-E and IV, citing alleged violations of the approved scheme and failure to meet required conditions.

The decision affects an area covering around 2,999 kanals. The layout plan for the two phases was approved by the CDA in 2010, subject to the developer fulfilling specified terms and obtaining the required no-objection certificate (NOC).

In a letter issued by the CDA Housing Directorate, the authority alleged that Bahria Town had failed to fulfill several mandatory requirements despite the passage of nearly 15 years.

The authority said the developer was directed in 2025 to vacate and restore areas reserved for public amenities. These included parks, playgrounds, open spaces and sites designated for public buildings.

According to the CDA, Bahria Town submitted a response to the notice. However, the authority rejected the explanation, stating that it was not supported by the facts. The CDA subsequently issued a final show-cause notice to the company.

The authority also referred to an audit observation concerning alleged unauthorised commercial construction along Corniche Road in Bahria Town Phases III-E and IV.

The audit observation for 2023-24 reportedly highlighted construction of a commercial building without CDA approval. The matter was discussed by the Departmental Accounts Committee headed by the Interior Ministry secretary, which directed action against structures allegedly built on areas designated as riverbed, graveyard, park or open space.

Following the proceedings, the CDA withdrew and cancelled the layout plan originally approved on December 18, 2010, with immediate effect.

The authority has also suspended the processing and approval of other cases submitted by Bahria Town (Pvt) Ltd, describing the company as a defaulter of the CDA.

Separately, the CDA Housing Directorate has directed its enforcement wing to take action against buildings, works and structures constructed in the affected scheme. The directive includes demolition or removal of structures found to have been built in violation of the approved plan.

A Bahria Town official rejected the CDA’s decision and described it as unlawful. The official said the company had already submitted a revised layout plan to the authority for approval.

He alleged that instead of considering the revised plan, the CDA had unilaterally cancelled the previously approved layout plan.