CDA approves illegal layout plan of Zaraj Housing Scheme

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Agency (CDA) has approved the allegedly illegal Layout Plan (LOP) of Zaraj Housing Scheme, it has been learned.

According to details, the housing scheme had allegedly converted the residential plots into commercial plots while other amenity plots including parks that were allotted for the convenience of the residents as per the map were commercialized by the society management and sold at exorbitant prices.

The route was also approved for the adjoining society, including two high commercial plots, which is a violation of the Capital Development Authority rules. According to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the basic Layout Plan (LOP) of a housing society cannot be changed.

Sources have informed that the society management had made changes in several places in the approved layout plan to increase commercialization and residential units. There is a clear contradiction between the basic LOP of society and the current project map.

Sources further informed that the society management earlier planned to merge the society with Defence Housing Authority (DHA) in order to increase the property rates.

When contacted, CEO of Zaraj Housing Scheme Zulfiqar Raja informed that the administration had obtained the approval of LOP from CDA. He also confirmed the conversion of residential plots into commercials. Sources also informed that several investors had bought plots worth billions of rupees.