The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has cancelled the layout plan of Bahria Town Phase III-E and IV in Zone-5, Islamabad, covering approximately 2,999 kanals. The authority also suspended the processing and approval of other cases involving Bahria Town (Pvt) Ltd., citing the company’s alleged failure to fulfil regulatory requirements.
The decision was communicated through a letter issued by the CDA’s Housing Directorate on September 17, 2026. The layout plan had originally been approved on December 8, 2010, subject to certain conditions, but the authority said the required prerequisites for obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) had not been completed despite the passage of around 15 years.
Why the CDA Cancelled the Layout Plan
According to the CDA, Bahria Town carried out development work and sold land or plots before obtaining the required NOC. The authority said such activities violated the conditions attached to the layout plan approval and relevant Islamabad zoning regulations.
The authority also raised concerns about changes to the approved layout plan. These included construction and use of land designated for public amenities, such as parks, playgrounds, open spaces and public buildings. The CDA said Bahria Town had previously been directed to vacate affected plots and restore them according to the approved plan.
The CDA further referred to a final show-cause notice issued in September 2025. It also cited an audit observation concerning commercial buildings along Corniche Road, including structures allegedly built in a riverbed, graveyard and park or open-space areas.
Bahria Town Plans to Challenge the Decision
A Bahria Town official, speaking to Dawn, criticised the cancellation and described it as illegal. The official said the company had submitted a revised layout plan for approval but that the CDA cancelled the earlier plan instead of approving the revision.
The official added that Bahria Town intended to challenge the decision before the available forums, including courts. This response reflects the company’s position; the CDA’s cancellation remains the authority’s stated decision.
The CDA has also directed its enforcement wing to take action regarding works, buildings and structures constructed in the scheme. The extent and timing of any enforcement action were not specified in the available reports.
What Happens Next?
The cancellation affects the layout plan for Bahria Town Phase III-E and IV, rather than automatically establishing the status of every Bahria Town phase in Islamabad. CDA records separately list other phases with different approval and NOC statuses.
The company’s planned legal challenge could determine the next stage of the dispute. Further details about enforcement measures, affected properties and any revised approval process may emerge through official notices or court proceedings.
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