The Ministry of Housing announced its intention to once again take action against illegal constructions and extensions made by government house allottees in Islamabad, after a previous operation was abandoned halfway last year.
Many government employees living in official houses in the capital have violated Capital Development Authority (CDA) bylaws by making extensions and even adding additional storeys to their premises.
Encroachment onto adjoining areas by building extra rooms is also widespread among residents.
Around 17,000 government houses in Islamabad are managed by the Estate Office, and numerous allottees have illegally constructed additional rooms in violation of regulations.
The newly-appointed Minister for Housing and Works, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, has directed officials to address these violations.
A meeting was convened at the Ministry of Housing and Works, where it was decided to initiate action against violators.
The Secretary of Housing and Works, Dr. Shahzad Khan Bangash, chaired the meeting, attended by officials including Additional Secretary Housing Mohammad Ashfaq Ghumman, Joint Secretary Estate Malik Saeed, and Director General Estate Office Obaiduddin.
They resolved to issue notices to those who have made illegal constructions and sublet official accommodations.
Additionally, notices will be sent to allottees using government accommodations for commercial activities. Strict action will be taken against property dealers facilitating subletting of government accommodations.
The Director General Estate Office assured immediate issuance of notices in accordance with rules.
Similar action was taken in 2018, resulting in the vacation of 2200 houses from illegal occupants.
The Secretary Housing directed officials to start an anti-encroachment drive immediately and evict illegal occupants with the assistance of the district administration and CDA.
Last year’s “mega operation” initiated by the ministry was halted due to economic circumstances.
Illegal constructions have distorted planned houses, possibly due to collusion between the Estate Office, CDA, and allottees.
However, the government’s failure to provide an adequate number of houses to employees has also contributed to the problem.
Addressing the issue of housing shortage, the government should focus on constructing new houses to accommodate more employees, alongside enforcement actions against illegal constructions.
