ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority has carved out and developed plots for its Margalla Enclave housing scheme on land the Higher Education Commission bought for two universities, putting the HEC’s campus plans at stake.
The HEC acquired about 250 acres in Kuri in 2007 for the University of Engineering, Sciences and Technology, plus a 35-acre plot for the National University of Law, at a cost of more than Rs1 billion. Nearly two decades later, the land sits at the centre of a CDA HEC land dispute with no clear resolution.
Dawn first reported that the CDA had developed the land for Margalla Enclave, a joint venture with the Defence Housing Authority spread over roughly 18,000 kanals in Kuri.
CDA HEC land dispute: the 2007 purchase
In 2007, the CDA allotted 250 acres in Kuri to the HEC for the University of Engineering, Sciences and Technology, along with 35 acres for the National University of Law. The land could not be handed over because of encroachments by local residents.
The possession issue was never fully resolved. According to property-press reporting, the CDA board approved shifting all government educational institutions previously allotted land in Kuri to Sector I-17, which has been earmarked as an institutional sector.
HEC also owns multiple plots in key sectors of Islamabad, including G-11 and I-8, which remain unused. Officials have stressed the urgency of securing land and starting construction before further delays or fresh encroachments set in.
Margalla Enclave changed the equation
In January 2025, the CDA and the DHA formally launched a joint venture to develop the Kuri Model Scheme, now known as DHA Margalla Enclave. Phase-I alone covers 10,000 kanals of CDA land under a 55-45 joint venture model, with the CDA contributing land and the DHA managing development.
The scheme’s expansion across roughly 18,000 kanals in Kuri has now ruled out the area for the universities the HEC planned. Housing plots, roads and development work sit on ground that was bought with public money for higher education.
The I-17 replacement offer
The CDA is now offering the HEC about 25 acres in Sector I-17 as a replacement for the lost land. That is a fraction of the roughly 250 acres the HEC acquired in 2007.
HEC officials have said they want discussions with the CDA to ensure the timely handover of the new land and the earliest possible start of construction. However, the item for alternate land in I-17 was not taken up at the CDA board meeting held on Monday, which leaves the replacement offer unapproved for now.
For students and faculty, the standoff means two planned universities remain on paper while a housing scheme rises on their intended campuses.
Related stories
The capital’s development authority is active on several fronts. Islamabad’s cricket stadium project faces a legal challenge in the Islamabad High Court over its Zone-III location.
The CDA gave itself six months to complete development of Sector E-12, and also unveiled a Rs500 billion commercial project in the capital.
In other capital news, phase one of the Islamabad model jail in Sector H-16 is ready, while roadblocks in the twin cities were cleared as police pulled back.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Margalla Enclave scheme?
It is a joint housing venture between the CDA and the Defence Housing Authority in Kuri, Zone 4 of Islamabad, spread over roughly 18,000 kanals. Phase-I covers 10,000 kanals under a 55-45 joint venture model.
Why are the HEC’s university plans at stake?
The HEC bought about 250 acres in Kuri in 2007 for the University of Engineering, Sciences and Technology and the National University of Law, but never received possession. The CDA has now developed plots for Margalla Enclave on that land.
What is the CDA offering instead?
The CDA is offering about 25 acres in Sector I-17, which has been earmarked as an institutional sector. The alternate-land item was not taken up at Monday’s CDA board meeting.
