News
150 Housing Societies in Islamabad Illegal, Interior Minister Announces Action Against Unauthorised Projects
By Mariam Khan
Real Estate Analyst
3 min read
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has stated that approximately 150 housing societies in Islamabad are illegal and that authorities are taking action against unauthorised developments. The statement was reported on October 21, 2026. During a visit to Malpur and Bhara Kahu, he also directed officials to recover illegally occupied government land. He referred to approximately 108 kanals of occupied government property and warned that officials who allowed encroachments could also face accountability. No complete list identifying the 150 societies was released in the reports we have seen. Announcements from the ministry are published by the Ministry of Interior, and housing scheme approvals in the capital by the Capital Development Authority.
Why the Figure Needs Care
The 150 is the minister's approximate figure. The reports do not name the societies, say how "illegal" is defined or say how the count was reached. It should not be treated as an updated official CDA list until it has been reconciled with the CDA's own records. We therefore do not name any society and do not say that any particular scheme is illegal.
What Was Said About Government Land
The minister directed officials to recover illegally occupied government land and referred to approximately 108 kanals of occupied government property. About 108 kanals is roughly 13.5 acres (our own calculation, at eight kanals to an acre). The reports do not say where the land is, who occupies it or whether the figure is the full amount at stake. We do not link it to the 150 societies.
What Accountability Means Here
The minister warned that officials who allowed encroachments could also face accountability. The reports do not say which officials, what action is planned or what the process would be. The warning is a statement and not an announced inquiry.
Why This Matters for Buyers
The announcement raises compliance and investment risks for buyers in unapproved housing schemes. Buyers who have already paid for plots in a scheme that is later found to be unapproved may face difficulty with possession, transfer and development. The reports do not say that any buyer has lost money, and they do not give the process for affected buyers.
What This Means for Buyers, Developers and Agents
Buyers should check a scheme's approval status with the CDA before paying and should ask for written proof of approval and a verified No Objection Certificate where required. Developers and agents should not market unapproved schemes. The signals to watch are a published list of the societies, any CDA notices or public warnings, the recovery of the occupied land and any action against officials.