Housing society residents demand a three-month timeline for plot allotments, withdrawal of unjustified demolition notices, protection of public land and scientific groundwater assessments.
Islamabad: Residents affected by various housing societies in Islamabad have demanded accountability from the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the Cooperative Department and other relevant institutions, calling for plot allotments within three months, protection of residential homes and public land, and measures to safeguard underground water resources.
The demands were presented during a joint press conference at the National Press Club Islamabad on Friday, where representatives of affected housing projects highlighted longstanding grievances involving delayed plot allotments, demolition notices, inadequate basic facilities, land disputes, electoral transparency and groundwater conservation.
The affected projects include Swan Garden, Swan Garden Phase 2, Jinnah Garden, Korang Town, Gulberg Greens, Capital Enclave, Kashmir Housing Society, National Assembly Employees Housing Society, CBR Housing Society, Commerce Housing Society and other housing schemes.
Participants said thousands of families had invested their lifetime savings, overseas Pakistanis’ earnings, women’s jewellery and ancestral land in the hope of securing homes. However, many remained deprived of plots, possession and basic facilities despite years of waiting.
Three-month deadline for plot allotments
The participants called on the CDA, Cooperative Department, Registrar Cooperative Societies and other relevant institutions to clarify their oversight of housing schemes’ Layout Plans (LOPs), No Objection Certificates (NOCs), land ownership, allotments, development work and basic facilities.
They demanded a clear timeline for the legal allotment and possession of plots to eligible victims within three months. Where plot delivery is not possible, they called for an effective mechanism for alternative plots or refunds in accordance with agreements and applicable law.
The residents also demanded a transparent review of demolition notices issued by the CDA against residential homes. They said notices found to be illegal or unjustified should be withdrawn and affected families should not be displaced without being heard.
Public land and groundwater protection
The participants called for the protection of land allocated for parks, schools, hospitals, mosques, graveyards, roads and other public facilities under approved layout plans.
They also sought investigations into alleged unauthorized use, changes in land allocation and encroachments, with legal action where violations are established.
Raising concerns over groundwater depletion in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the residents demanded an independent hydrogeological, geological and engineering survey to examine questions surrounding 11 tube wells within an approximately 1,320-foot radius in Swan Garden.
The proposed assessment should examine groundwater levels, extraction volumes, natural recharge, the effects of new boreholes and future water requirements. They also called for rainwater harvesting, recharge wells and a comprehensive groundwater conservation policy.
Questions over elections and land disputes
The participants raised concerns about election fees, voter lists, candidates’ eligibility and the selection of housing society office-bearers. They sought clarification regarding proceedings under Section 48, pending objections and the eligibility of property dealers, including potential conflicts of interest.
They also demanded explanations regarding Jinnah Garden’s streets D-12 and D-15, Naval Anchorage land, Banker City, farmhouse-related matters in Gulberg Greens and the Assistant Commissioner Saddar’s inquiry report.
The residents called for an empowered grievance forum representing all affected housing societies to ensure timely action, written responses and transparent complaint tracking.
The participants said their demands were not directed against any individual or institution but sought lawful accountability and equal treatment
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