Islamabad, March 31, 2026: Allegations have surfaced against officials of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for allegedly misusing government machinery during the recent Eid public holidays, even as the federal government enforces strict austerity and energy conservation measures.
According to reports, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced a series of steps to reduce expenditures and manage the ongoing energy crisis. These measures included a three-day holidays across government offices and restrictions on the use of official vehicles, aimed at conserving fuel and cutting operational costs.
However, despite these directives, staff from multiple CDA directorates—including Enforcement, Building Control, Land & Estate, and Environment—were reportedly engaged in demolition operations during the holiday period. Sources allege that heavy government machinery was used for targeted actions against certain buildings.
When questioned, officials from the concerned departments reportedly stated that the operations were being carried out on “instructions from high-ups,” raising concerns about transparency and adherence to the government’s austerity policy.
The development has sparked questions about the implementation of energy-saving directives and the potential misuse of public resources at a time when the country is grappling with rising fuel costs and economic strain.
The government’s austerity drive comes amid a broader energy crisis exacerbated by soaring global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East, prompting authorities to emphasize strict compliance with conservation measures across all public sector institutions.
