ISLAMABAD: After the recent flooding, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has sealed 22 buildings in E-11 for violation of building bylaws.

“After recent flood, we have sealed 22 buildings,” said an officer of CDA on Tuesday. He said that buildings were sealed in housing societies and areas outside of societies as well.

The officer said that notices have already been served on owners of all buildings and they were asked to submit their reply regarding various violations.

“After completing due procedure, we will seal other buildings as well,” he said.

He said officials of building control directorate with assistance of Islamabad police and district administration had been taking action against illegal buildings.

E-11 is exempted sector, (exempted from land acquisition) by the orders of former president Ayub Khan. However, due to exempted status, the CDA could not implement its bylaws in this sector in true spirit that resulted into the mushroom growth of constructions. Currently, five housing societies, including three illegal societies, are operating in this sector. There are over 70 standalone unapproved high rise buildings in this sector as well.

The CDA officer said the civic agency had also moved a summary to federal government, seeking revocation of exempted status of the said sector to ensure enforcement of all CDA’s bylaws in E-11.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2021