ISLAMABAD – The Capital Development Authority (CDA) lands in trouble as it has included 250 acres originally allocated to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for establishing two public-sector universities into Margalla Enclave, a housing project jointly developed with the Defence Housing Authority (DHA).
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the development and seek an immediate report on the matter.
Reports said the Prime Minister’s Office contacted the CDA following media coverage of the land issue, directing the authority to provide an explanation. CDA officials subsequently worked on preparing the report for submission to the prime minister.
The land, situated in the Kuri area, was acquired in 2008 after the HEC paid Rs1.3 billion to the CDA for establishing two public-sector universities.
However, the authority later incorporated the 250-acre parcel into Margalla Enclave, a residential development spanning approximately 18,000 kanals.
In place of the original allocation, the CDA proposed providing 40 acres in Sector I-17. Under the revised arrangement, 25 acres would go to the engineering university, while the law university would receive 15 acres.
HEC officials reportedly opposed the alternative proposal during a recent meeting at the interior ministry, arguing that the replacement land was substantially smaller and involved additional payment.
The dispute remains unresolved, with the CDA board scheduled to reconsider the issue at its meeting on upcoming Monday.