PHA officers Residencia: residents challenge plan for 33 new plots

A fresh controversy has emerged over a proposal to create 33 additional residential plots in the PHA Officers Residencia on Kurri Road with existing allottees objecting to any change in land previously designated as green and open space.

ISLAMABAD: A fresh controversy has emerged over a proposal to create 33 additional residential plots in the PHA Officers Residencia on Kurri Road with existing allottees objecting to any change in land previously designated as green and open space.

The dispute concerns a housing scheme developed for senior government officers on a self-financing basis. According to available records, the project was approved in 2006 and 2007 involved an estimated cost of around Rs6 billion and was completed in 2020 when the houses were handed over to their respective allottees.

The current controversy has its roots in an earlier proposal for 40 additional plots on portions of the scheme’s green areas. The matter was taken up by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in 2018 after objections were raised over changes to the approved layout.

Following a site inspection, the PAC directed that the original layout approved by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) should not be altered. The Federal Ombudsman subsequently supported the PAC’s position while the PHA Foundation Board also accepted the decision, according to documents available for the report.

The issue resurfaced several years later when the PHA Foundation approached the CDA on March 17, 2023, seeking an amendment to the 2012 approved layout for 33 additional residential plots on green and open areas.

The proposal remained under consideration at the CDA until August 2025. A CDA letter dated August 11, 2025 subsequently sought publication of public notices regarding the proposed change.

Residents have strongly objected to the plan arguing that the affected areas were identified as green or open spaces in the approved layout and formed part of the planning framework under which the scheme was developed.

According to the PHA Foundation, approximately 19 percent of the scheme, equivalent to around 727 kanals, has been designated for green and open areas. Residents, however, have challenged this calculation.

They claim that about 24 kanals comprise small, scattered pieces of land that cannot realistically function as proper parks or meaningful community spaces. They further allege that around 10 kanals outside the boundary wall have been included in the calculation even though the land is occupied by local villagers and is not effectively controlled by the housing scheme.

Residents also maintain that they contributed financially towards the development and preservation of the scheme’s green spaces. They say 588 allottees paid more than Rs501.5 million during 2018 and 2019, in addition to the previously agreed cost of their houses.

The proposed construction has also raised concerns among owners of corner properties and houses facing parks. Residents say some allottees paid a 10 percent premium for corner houses in 2010-11, while properties facing green areas were subsequently valued at higher prices. They fear additional construction could reduce the openness and character of these locations.

Environmental and infrastructure concerns have also been raised. Residents say some proposed sites are near drainage channels, rainwater nullahs and low-lying areas, potentially affecting the movement of stormwater during heavy rains.

They have also questioned whether a fresh environmental assessment or clearance was obtained before proposing a significant alteration to the approved layout. Concerns have been raised about the ability of existing roads, sewerage, drainage and water-supply systems to accommodate 33 additional houses.

Residents are asking the CDA to consider the original approved layout, previous decisions by the PAC and Federal Ombudsman, the availability of usable green space, environmental conditions and the capacity of existing infrastructure before approving any amendment.

When contacted, PHA Director Fateh Khan said the matter fell under the Planning Wing and was not his domain. Planning Wing Deputy Director Kashif did not respond before publication.

The CDA Media Department also did not respond. CDA Director Ejaz-ul-Hassan said the proposed land had been included at the expense of PHA and acknowledged that residents had raised objections. He said the residents had submitted their objections again and that the CDA would deal with the matter according to its prescribed procedures and applicable regulations.

The controversy now centres on whether the proposed 33 plots can be accommodated without undermining the approved planning structure, green spaces and infrastructure of the housing scheme.