The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched a major enforcement operation against illegal and non-conforming buildings along a key stretch of the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East, sealing dozens of construction units over safety violations.
Where the Operation Is Taking Place
The crackdown is focused on the service road stretching from Sohan-Iqbal Town through Korang Bridge and Korang Police Station to Gulberg Greens. So far, more than 50 construction units have been targeted, 34 along the Sohan-Iqbal Town stretch and 24 between Korang Bridge and Gulberg Greens.
Why the Buildings Were Sealed
According to a CDA spokesperson, the commercial buildings involved had violated their approved construction plans and lacked mandatory fire safety arrangements, including emergency exits and firefighting equipment. The authority said it had previously issued notices giving building owners time to rectify the violations, complete required safety measures, and clear any outstanding dues. However, “the notice period had expired, but several owners failed to meet the requirements,” prompting the current enforcement action.
The operation is being carried out by CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate, working in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad Police to ensure the sealing and survey process proceeds without obstruction.
What Happens Next
CDA officials say surveys of the remaining areas along the corridor are continuing, suggesting further buildings could be identified and sealed as the operation progresses. Owners of sealed properties will likely need to bring their buildings into compliance with approved plans and fire safety standards before any relief is granted.
The operation reflects a broader push by Islamabad’s civic authority to enforce building safety standards more strictly, particularly along busy commercial corridors where fire safety lapses pose direct risks to public safety.
For more on related developments, see our coverage of the action against Lahore schools over poor results and Punjab’s digital arms license changes.