Editor Investigation, Sub News
Islamabad, August 17, 2026: Questions have been raised over the delay in the second balloting for plots in sectors D-13, E-13 and F-13 of Islamabad following changes in the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board, with allegations of attempts to influence the process and include disputed shamilati land in the allotment.
According to sources familiar with the matter, retired Punjab-based official Muhammad Zaman Wattoo was appointed as CDA Member Estate following changes in the authority’s board. Since then, despite several claims regarding reforms and improved performance, progress on some key matters has remained limited, the sources alleged.
The CDA had conducted balloting for D-13, E-13 and F-13 some time ago after completing the relevant land-related reports. Before the balloting, certificates were also reportedly obtained from the concerned patwaris confirming that shamilati land was not included in the files.
Shamilati land generally refers to common or communal land recorded for collective use by residents of a village or locality.
According to the available account, concerns over the inclusion of such land in property files date back several years. In the past, certain property dealers allegedly worked in connivance with CDA patwaris and girdawars to purchase shamilati land in the relevant mouzas and subsequently sell plot files.
Following the discovery of the alleged practice, former CDA Chairman Noor-ul-Amin Mengal reportedly ordered that the disputed shamlati land be distributed among the affected residents of the respective mouzas.
Sources alleged that a group associated with the disputed land had subsequently made repeated efforts to prevent balloting for D-13, E-13 and F-13 or, alternatively, to have shamilati land included in the process.
The sources further claimed that after the former Deputy Commissioner and Director Land and Deputy Director Land opposed the inclusion of shamilati land, the group allegedly began attempting to influence the CDA Member Estate, ultimately contributing to the halting of the second balloting for the three sectors.
According to the allegations, the group is facing pressure from individuals to whom it had previously sold plot files. The group is therefore allegedly attempting to delay the balloting process to avoid complications with its buyers.
Sources also alleged that certain influential individuals supporting the group are seeking a mechanism through which files involving disputed shamilati land could eventually be considered for allotment.
The allegations have raised questions about transparency in the CDA’s land and allotment procedures and whether any attempt is being made to influence the balloting process for the three sectors.
Sub News is investigating the matter and will publish further details, including documentary evidence and the identities of individuals allegedly involved in the lobbying effort, after independently verifying the available records.
