The Capital Development Authority (CDA) of Islamabad has recently found itself at the center of a controversy involving illegal land allotments and misuse of authority. The matter came to light following the suspension of a CDA Deputy Director Planning, Faraz Malik, for alleged misconduct, triggering widespread public and media attention.
The issue revolves around a land allotment initially designated for the construction of a secondary school for children with special needs. This land was reportedly allotted under a special directive and at an education-subsidized rate. However, what was originally intended to benefit the special needs community appears to have been diverted for unauthorized purposes.
According to details by the Editor-in-Chief Shamshad Mangat, the land was repurposed to construct apartments, allegedly intended for teachers. This conversion was carried out without the necessary approvals and in direct violation of the original terms of allotment. The plan to build residential apartments instead of an educational facility sparked concern among various CDA departments, but despite internal objections, the construction continued.
The issue had been raised multiple times, dating as far back as 2008 that each time a complaint was filed, the matter would resurface, but no concrete action was taken. “The problem was not just the illegal construction, it was how certain influential individuals kept pushing for approvals under political or bureaucratic umbrellas.
Faraz Malik (Deputy Director Planning CDA), the official now suspended, is accused of facilitating this process. While some argue that he merely followed orders, others believe he enabled illegal activities by disregarding due procedures and accepting questionable directives.
CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali’s recent move to suspend Malik has been hailed as a step in the right direction. For years, critics of the CDA have argued that without strict action from the top, systemic issues like land misuse and corruption will persist. However, accountability must be holistic. “It’s not just about suspending one person. The entire chain of those involved, whether by action or negligence, must be investigated.
The situation also raises questions about Islamabad’s urban planning priorities. One of the contentious points discussed was the construction of a new hostel under the Prime Minister’s initiative, despite there being a vacant hostel nearby in G-7. Critics argue that using land meant for special education to build another facility, especially when existing infrastructure lies underutilized, is a poor use of public resources.
This unfolding case is more than just an administrative mishap but a reflection of the broader governance challenges facing public institutions in Pakistan. If pursued with integrity, the investigation into this illegal allotment and misuse of authority could become a benchmark for transparency and accountability.
CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali now faces a critical test: will this be a one-off action, or the beginning of a systematic crackdown on corruption and mismanagement in land development? The public and media are watching closely, and the outcome may well determine the future credibility of one of Islamabad’s most important civic institutions.
