Islamabad: Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has directed the Islamabad Capital Authority (ICT) administration to lift the ban on private land transfers in Zone III of the capital city, a news source reported. The ban had been put in place to discourage illegal constructional pursuits in the area.
PM Khan opined that it wasn’t permissible under the law to prohibit a bona fide owner from undertaking the land transfer process. He further directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the ICT administration to strictly monitor the construction gigs on private land, in order to prevent corrupt practices.
An ICT official said that the administration had notified the lifting of the ban, but the formal process concerning the transfers would commence from today (Tuesday). Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hamza Shafqaat also confirmed the ban lift. He said that ban was imposed a couple of years ago to stop unauthorized constructions.
He further said that under CDA’s zoning regulations new constructions were not authorised in Zone III. He said that the existing house owners may undertake expansion or renovation gigs, but the remaining land was devoted to the agricultural activities.
However, the un-acquired land in the zone is presently cluttered with unauthorised constructions and even a few housing projects, owing to the lack of regulatory measures.
The Zone III consists of 50,393 acres, which comprise Margalla Hills National Park, forests, protected ranges, un-acquired land and areas like Shah Allah Ditta, Lakhwal, Chontra, Banigala, Malpur, Bhara Kahu, Saidpur, Kot Hathial and Sangjani. Out of said area, 17,000 acres are privately owned. However, the owners are banned from carrying out construction work in this area.
Hazafa reveres the art of writing and has been turned into a property enthusiast by profession. Her daily survival kit includes; tea, coffee, keyboard and paperbacks.
