Allottees of E-12 plots seek waive of development charges

Islamabad:Allottees of plots in Islamabad’s residential Sector E-12 have expressed growing frustration over the slow pace of development in the area, which has delayed the handover of plot possessions for over three decades.

The sector, announced in April 1989 for general public, government employees, and overseas Pakistanis, comprises 4,430 plots. However, the Capital Development Authority has yet to provide basic amenities like proper sewerage, electricity, and roads, leaving allottees in a prolonged state of uncertainty.

Ateeq Sheikh, the president of the E-12 Action Committee, said CDA was supposed to complete the development within three years, but it has been 36 years now, and still, there is no visible progress. He wondered how CDA could impose development charges when the site remains undeveloped.

"This is not the time to burden allottees with additional charges," he said, urging the CDA to waive these charges entirely. The plot allottee called for a complete waiver of development charges, arguing that such demands are unreasonable after such an extensive delay. He argued that it was unjust to impose additional financial burdens on plot owners who have already waited decades for possession.

A core member of the action committee, Amir Fida, emphasised the urgent need for faster development and the relocation of dangerous overhead power lines that pose a significant risk to future residents.

"The CDA should speed up the work and clear the heavy power lines passing through the sector," he said. M. Zafarullah, an 84-year-old allottee said. “I have witnessed around 1,700 allottees pass away while waiting to build their homes here. This is now the third generation still hoping to live a peaceful life in this sector. I want to build my home before it’s too late,” he said, sharing the frustrations of many families.

The allottees urged the CDA chairman to take immediate action, directing relevant authorities to expedite the long-overdue development work and waive the newly imposed charges, enabling the rightful owners to finally realise their decades-old dream of home ownership.