The Capital Development Authority (CDA) temporarily halted its eviction operation on Thursday targeting illegal occupants of government flats in Islamabad’s G-6 Sector. The decision came after a number of residents voluntarily surrendered possession of the flats following the initial phase of the eviction drive.
Many occupants began vacating their units on their own once authorities arrived to enforce the eviction, prompting the CDA to pause further action. Earlier that day, the CDA had mobilized police, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), enforcement teams, and district magistrates to support the removal of unauthorized residents from 200 government flats near Aabpara Market.
The CDA had issued a final notice to the residents, referencing multiple court rulings including the Islamabad High Court’s February 2023 judgment, a Supreme Court order from June 2023, and a review order by the apex court dated July 30, 2025. The notice emphasized that all illegal occupants of the flats had no legal entitlement to retain possession.
Despite an earlier seven-day deadline for voluntary eviction, many residents remained in the flats. The operation initially encountered resistance, with some occupants presenting ownership documents and allotment letters. Nevertheless, CDA officials asserted that the evictions were being conducted strictly in accordance with court directives.
The 200 residential units were completed in 2003 as part of a federal cabinet-approved urban redevelopment plan intended to replace aging government housing. However, before formal allotment to federal employees, the apartments temporarily housed families displaced by the 2005 Kashmir earthquake.
Following the 2007 military operation at Lal Masjid, police personnel occupied many of the vacant flats and have remained there since. A recent joint survey by the CDA and the federal Estate Office revealed that while some units are occupied by private individuals and CDA employees, the majority have been under unauthorized police occupation for over 15 years.
Originally conceived as a model public housing project, the G-6 complex has suffered deterioration due to poor maintenance and failing civic infrastructure. CDA sources indicated that the eviction process would resume shortly for those who refuse to vacate. Ultimately, all illegally held units will be reclaimed and transferred to the Ministry of Housing for lawful allocation to eligible federal employees.
