NAB Islamabad/Rawalpindi flagged the alleged encroachment of 898 kanals of CDA land in Shah Allah Ditta, prompting orders for a status report and accountability.
Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has ordered an investigation into the alleged illegal occupation of 898 kanals of government land in Shah Allah Ditta after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Islamabad/Rawalpindi flagged the matter, according to an official CDA letter.
CDA Member Estate Muhammad Zaman Wattoo took notice of the reported encroachment and directed the relevant authorities to assess the current situation, identify officials responsible for any negligence and take steps to recover the land.
According to CDA letter No. 8622, dated Oct. 15, 2026, the land in Mouza Shah Allah Ditta had been acquired for a landfill site. The document states that the 898-kanal property is under illegal occupation.
NAB had reportedly highlighted the alleged irregularity in a letter dated Oct. 8, prompting action by the CDA’s Estate Wing.
The member estate has instructed the CDA deputy commissioner to submit an immediate, updated report on the status of the occupied land. The official has also been directed to identify the revenue officers whose alleged negligence may have allowed the encroachment and determine responsibility in accordance with the applicable rules.
In addition, the deputy commissioner has been asked to coordinate with all relevant CDA wings to recover the land and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect it against future encroachment.
The case has raised questions about the protection of public land in the federal capital and the effectiveness of the procedures used to safeguard government-owned property.
According to sources cited in the initial report, the land is estimated to be worth billions of rupees. The sources also raised suspicions of possible collusion involving CDA revenue staff. However, these allegations have not been independently verified, and no findings establishing the involvement of any official have been provided in the supplied information.
Further action may follow after the relevant authorities examine the land’s current status and determine whether negligence or other irregularities occurred. The immediate priorities outlined in the CDA’s directions are to establish the facts, fix responsibility where warranted and recover the land.
The outcome of the inquiry and any subsequent action against officials or other individuals will depend on the findings of the relevant authorities.
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