The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has issued a show-cause notice to M/s Bahria Town (Pvt) Ltd over alleged violations related to unauthorized development in Bahria Paradise Commercial Scheme-IV, located in Zone-5 of Islamabad. The action signals a renewed regulatory push to enforce planning laws and zoning regulations in the federal capital.
According to official documents, the notice was issued on January 14, 2026, under Sections 49-C, 46, and 46-B of the CDA Ordinance, 1960. The action has also been taken in light of the relevant provisions of the ICT Zoning Regulations, 1992, and the Housing Scheme Regulations, 2023.
The CDA has accused Bahria Town of illegally converting public amenity plots into commercial use, carrying out unauthorized construction, and initiating development activities without securing the mandatory no-objection certificate (NOC) from the authority. Such approvals are legally required before any construction or alteration of land use within Islamabad’s regulated zones.
Officials familiar with the matter say the alleged violations undermine the city’s master planning framework, which is designed to balance residential, commercial, and public spaces. Public amenity plots, in particular, are reserved for community use such as parks, schools, mosques, and other essential facilities. Their conversion for commercial purposes is considered a serious breach of planning regulations.
In its notice, the CDA has directed Bahria Town to explain why enforcement action should not be taken against the project. This may include penalties, sealing of premises, demolition of unauthorized structures, or other legal measures as provided under the CDA Ordinance and related regulations.
The development without an NOC is another major concern highlighted in the notice. Regulatory approval ensures that projects comply with environmental standards, infrastructure capacity, traffic planning, and utility provisions. Skipping this process, officials argue, can place additional strain on Islamabad’s already stretched civic services.
Urban planning experts view the move as part of a broader effort by the CDA to reassert its authority amid growing concerns over unregulated expansion in and around Islamabad. In recent years, the authority has faced criticism for selective enforcement, prompting calls for consistent and transparent regulatory action against all developers.
Bahria Town has not yet issued a public response to the show-cause notice. Under the law, the developer is expected to submit a formal reply within the stipulated timeframe, addressing each allegation raised by the CDA.
The outcome of this case is being closely watched by real estate stakeholders, as it could set an important precedent for future enforcement actions in the capital. For residents and investors, the development also highlights the importance of verifying approvals and compliance before purchasing property in large-scale housing schemes.
As Islamabad continues to expand, the CDA maintains that strict adherence to zoning laws and planning regulations is essential to protect public interest, ensure sustainable growth, and preserve the city’s planned character.
