Fresh controversy has erupted after allegations surfaced against the Capital Development Authority (CDA) regarding the continued occupation of more than 1,000 official residences in Islamabad. Official records claimed the houses fall under the Estate Office, but the residences allegedly remained under CDA control for years.
Authorities also raised questions over the collection of rent payments that were allegedly not deposited into the federal treasury.
The Ministry of Housing and Works has now decided to raise the matter before the CDA chairman. At the same time, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) directed the Housing Secretary to resolve the issue immediately. Officials believe the matter has created major problems for thousands of government employees who continue to wait for official accommodation in the federal capital.
Audit Authorities Raise Serious Objections
According to official documents, audit authorities highlighted the issue after the Estate Office abolished almost all accommodation pools allocated to various institutions. Only the Foreign Office and one sensitive state institution were allowed to retain separate accommodation pools.
The Estate Office also introduced restrictions to stop any increase in the number of official residences under institutional control. Under Clause 4 of the Accommodation Allocation Rules 2002, institutions that received government funds to build their own housing colonies were required to return official residences to the Estate Office.
Despite these rules, the CDA allegedly continued to occupy the residences located in prime sectors of Islamabad. Officials claimed that repeated efforts to reclaim the houses did not succeed.
Thousands of Employees Continue to Wait for Housing
The issue has reportedly affected a large number of federal employees. Sources said many government servants have remained on waiting lists for years while official residences continue to stay under CDA control.
As a result, many employees have been forced to rent private homes at high costs in Islamabad. Rising rental prices in the federal capital have increased financial pressure on middle income government workers.
Officials believe the recovery of these residences could provide relief to hundreds of employees waiting for accommodation. The continued occupation of these houses has also sparked criticism regarding the management of public property.
Allegations of Collusion Surface
Documents further revealed allegations that some Estate Office officials may have facilitated the continued occupation of the residences. Sources claimed certain officials failed to take action even though the Estate Office rules gave them authority to cancel allotments and repossess the houses.
Under Rule 24 of the Estate Office regulations, authorities can cancel allotments and recover residences whenever required. However, officials allegedly did not fully enforce these powers in the CDA government residences matter.
The alleged inaction has now raised concerns over transparency and accountability within the housing management system.
Retired Officials Still Occupying Residences
Sources disclosed that several original allottees occupying the residences have already retired from service. In some cases, the allotments were allegedly transferred to family members, including children of former officials.
These allegations have triggered questions regarding the legality of the occupancy and the process through which the residences remained under CDA control for years.
Officials familiar with the matter stated that the continuation of such allotments violated government housing rules. They also warned that failure to recover the properties could further damage public trust in government institutions.
Questions Raised Over Rent Payments
Another major concern involves the collection of standard rent from the occupants of the residences. According to the documents, the CDA allegedly collected five per cent standard rent from residents but did not deposit the amount into the federal treasury as required by law.
Instead, the authority allegedly retained and used the funds internally. Audit authorities are now examining whether financial rules were violated and whether the government suffered losses because of the alleged practice.
Financial experts believe the matter could lead to further investigations if authorities confirm misuse of public funds.
Housing Ministry Seeks Immediate Resolution
The Ministry of Housing and Works has indicated that it wants the issue resolved without delay. Officials said the matter would be presented before the CDA chairman for further action.
The Public Accounts Committee also stressed the importance of an urgent settlement. Members reportedly directed relevant authorities to ensure compliance with housing regulations and protect government assets.
The controversy surrounding the CDA government residences has once again highlighted long standing issues in the management of official housing in Islamabad. Observers believe strict enforcement of housing rules and transparent accountability measures will be necessary to restore confidence in the system.