Nine housing schemes in Islamabad have been found converting land reserved for public facilities into residential and commercial plots.

A written reply submitted by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control to the National Assembly said the schemes changed the designated use of land meant for schools, hospitals, parks, playgrounds and other community facilities.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has issued notices to the schemes and started legal action. However, sponsors and residents have obtained stay orders from courts, which have slowed down enforcement.

One major case involves the Civilian Employees Cooperative Housing Society, which allegedly converted around 350 kanals reserved for parks and public buildings into residential and commercial plots.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) registered a case against the society’s management in 2010. An FIA court acquitted the accused on January 13, 2024.

The CDA challenged the acquittal in the Islamabad High Court, where the case is still pending.