The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has issued a show-cause notice to Safa Homes, alleging that the housing scheme is carrying out development work in Islamabad’s Zone-IV without obtaining the mandatory Layout Plan (LOP) approval and No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the authority.

According to the notice, the project is being developed in violation of the CDA Ordinance, 1960, the ICT Zoning Regulations, 1992, and the Private Housing Schemes Regulations, 2023. The authority has directed the sponsors to explain within seven days why legal action should not be initiated against them.

The CDA has ordered Safa Homes to immediately halt all development activities, including the marketing, sale, purchase, allotment, and transfer of plots. The notice also directs the developers to remove or demolish all unauthorized structures and cease the illegal use of land within seven days, warning that failure to comply could result in enforcement action under the relevant laws.

In support of its action, the CDA cited several judgments of the Islamabad High Court and the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which declare unauthorized construction and housing developments without CDA approval to be illegal. The authority reiterated that it is the sole regulatory body responsible for approving and supervising private housing schemes in the Islamabad Capital Territory.

The notice also referred to court directives requiring the CDA to take action against housing societies that violate approved layout plans or alter designated public utility areas. It emphasized that all private housing schemes must obtain the required approvals before undertaking any construction or development and remain subject to CDA oversight.

Referring to more recent judicial rulings, the CDA noted that courts have consistently refused to grant relief to parties involved in illegal construction, holding that no legal rights arise from violations of planning laws. The authority also cited a 2026 Islamabad High Court judgment reaffirming that the approval and modification of layout plans fall exclusively within the CDA’s jurisdiction.

The authority warned that if Safa Homes fails to submit a satisfactory response within the stipulated period, it may proceed with the demolition of illegal structures, sealing of the scheme and site offices, and suspension of land use with the assistance of law enforcement agencies. It added that enforcement costs would be recovered from those responsible and that ex parte proceedings could also be initiated. The sponsors have also been offered an opportunity for a personal hearing before the competent authority within seven days.

Copies of the notice have been forwarded to the CDA Enforcement Wing, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, SSP Islamabad, Registrar Cooperative Societies, IESCO, SNGPL, and other relevant departments to ensure coordinated enforcement. The CDA has also requested the relevant authorities to restrict utility connections and publicity to private housing schemes that have obtained the authority’s approval.