On November 15, 2025, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) launched a sweeping operation against illegal constructions and encroachments in Islamabad, focusing particularly on the Diplomatic Enclave and its surrounding areas. The crackdown, which is part of a broader campaign across the federal capital, was ordered by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa. It marks one of the most significant recent efforts to reclaim state land and reinforce the city’s planned development.
According to CDA officials, the latest phase of the anti-encroachment drive was supervised by Deputy Director General (Enforcement) Dr. Anum Fatima. With the support of the district administration and Islamabad Police, the operation led to the peaceful retrieval of 42 kanals of state land that had been illegally occupied by local encroachment groups. The CDA Enforcement Directorate executed the operation with heavy machinery to remove unlawful structures, ensuring that the process was both thorough and effective.
Officials briefing the media emphasized that all legal requirements were fulfilled prior to the operation. Formal notices were issued to illegal occupants well in advance, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to due process. “Actions against illegal occupations are essential for the beauty, safety, and planned development of Islamabad. Our goal is to make the federal capital one of the world’s most organized and vibrant cities,” CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa stated, as reported by APP and other local news outlets.
To ensure the accuracy of the operation, the CDA utilized advanced satellite imagery provided by SUPARCO (the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission). These up-to-date images enabled authorities to identify illegal structures in real time, a technological leap that has become increasingly important in the fight against encroachment. Officials confirmed that such satellite data is now being acquired regularly to detect and act against new encroachments anywhere in Islamabad.
The operation in the Diplomatic Enclave was not a one-off event but part of a sustained grand strategy. The CDA administration reiterated that the crackdown against illegal constructions would continue without interruption. Chairman Randhawa instructed enforcement teams to take all necessary measures to completely eliminate illegal encroachments and ensure that retrieved land is secured from future occupation. He emphasized a strict policy of zero tolerance toward land grabbers and encroachers, signaling that the agency is prepared for a long-term commitment to this cause.
"The agency will maintain a strict policy of zero tolerance towards illegal occupation and has ordered long-term measures to secure the retrieved land against future encroachment," Randhawa was quoted as saying by APP. The CDA’s stance is clear: only persistent enforcement and vigilance can preserve the city’s urban planning, safety, and overall aesthetics.
The operation’s success hinged not only on technology and machinery but also on cooperation between various government bodies. The district administration and Islamabad Police played key roles in supporting the CDA Enforcement Directorate, ensuring that the operation unfolded smoothly and without major incidents. This collaborative approach is now being hailed as a model for future urban management initiatives in the capital.
But the CDA isn’t stopping at enforcement alone. The authority has made a public appeal to Islamabad’s citizens, urging them to fully cooperate with the ongoing anti-encroachment campaign. Residents are encouraged to report any illegal occupation to the relevant authorities immediately. The hope is that community involvement will act as an early warning system, helping officials respond swiftly to new encroachments before they become entrenched.
According to CDA spokespersons, the recovered land in and around the Diplomatic Enclave had been occupied by local encroachment groups. The use of heavy machinery was necessary to dismantle illegal structures that had been built over time, some of which posed safety hazards and disrupted the city’s planned layout. The CDA has pledged that the retrieved land will be protected from future occupation, with long-term measures now being put in place to prevent a recurrence of such issues.
The crackdown comes at a time when Islamabad’s rapid urbanization has put increasing pressure on land resources. Encroachment has long been a thorny issue for city planners, often resulting in unplanned settlements, traffic congestion, and compromised public safety. By leveraging advanced technology and a coordinated approach, the CDA aims to set a new standard for urban governance in Pakistan’s capital.
The operation’s peaceful execution was notable. Despite the scale of the intervention, authorities reported no major confrontations or disturbances. This was attributed to the CDA’s insistence on fulfilling legal formalities, including the issuance of prior notices. Such adherence to due process is seen as vital in maintaining public trust and upholding the rule of law.
Residents and local stakeholders have expressed cautious optimism about the CDA’s renewed focus on anti-encroachment. While some have voiced concerns about the potential for displacement, the agency’s assurances about legal compliance and prior notification have helped allay fears. The CDA’s appeal for public cooperation underscores its recognition that lasting change requires both official action and community engagement.
Looking ahead, the CDA has signaled that its campaign against illegal constructions is far from over. Officials have stated that similar operations will be conducted in other parts of Islamabad, with the same emphasis on legal procedures, technological support, and inter-agency cooperation. The agency is also exploring ways to make satellite imagery and other monitoring tools more accessible to the public, potentially enabling residents to track encroachment hotspots in real time.
As Islamabad continues to grow, the challenge of balancing development with order and legality remains a pressing concern. The CDA’s recent operation in the Diplomatic Enclave represents a significant step toward reclaiming public land and restoring the city’s planned character. Whether this momentum can be sustained—and expanded—will depend on continued vigilance, technological innovation, and the willingness of citizens to play their part.
For now, the message from the CDA is clear: illegal encroachments will not be tolerated. With a combination of legal rigor, technological prowess, and community outreach, Islamabad’s authorities are determined to ensure that the capital remains a model of urban order and vitality.