Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to allocate land in Sector I-17 for the construction of two universities, shifting from the previously designated Kuri site due to longstanding possession issues.
In 2007, the CDA had allotted 250 acres in Kuri to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for the establishment of the University of Engineering, Sciences, and Technology, along with 35 acres for the National University of Law. However, the land could not be handed over due to encroachments by local residents.
To resolve the issue, the CDA Board has approved the relocation of all government educational institutions previously allotted land in Kuri to I-17, which has now been earmarked as an Institutional Sector. The decision comes as the CDA, in collaboration with the Defence Housing Authority (DHA), launched the Margalla Enclave housing project in Kuri, further ruling out its use for educational purposes.
A CDA official confirmed that HEC will be provided land in I-17, similar to how alternative land was given to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other government entities. HEC officials, meanwhile, have expressed their intention to hold discussions with CDA to ensure the timely handover of land and to begin construction at the earliest.
HEC also owns multiple plots in key sectors of Islamabad, including G-11 and I-8, which remain unused. Officials have emphasized the urgency of securing land and initiating development to prevent further delays and potential encroachments.
The relocation of university land aligns with CDA’s broader urban planning strategy, ensuring dedicated space for higher education while addressing past land disputes in Kuri.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
