The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has reached a historic milestone in Islamabad’s urban planning. In a recent board meeting chaired by Muhammad Ali Randhawa, the authority approved the Islamabad Capital Territory Urban Regeneration/Renewal Regulations, 2025.
This move aims to formally integrate recognized katchi abadis into the city’s master plan, providing residents with better living standards and legal recognition.
1. Urban Regeneration and Upgradation Framework
The new regulations, developed under the CDA Ordinance 1960 and Supreme Court directives, focus on settlements declared “regular” by the federal government between 1995 and 2004.
Eligibility Criteria: Only those residents who were recorded in surveys conducted up to December 31, 2002, will be considered eligible beneficiaries.
Fresh Surveys: The CDA Planning Wing will conduct a new survey to verify residents and prepare detailed rehabilitation schemes.
Legal Integration: These informal settlements will now be part of Islamabad’s formal urban planning system.
2. Infrastructure and Civic Facilities
The transformation of these abadis will involve more than just legal paperwork. The CDA has committed to a complete infrastructure overhaul, including:
Layout Plans: Development of organized maps for each settlement.
Basic Facilities: Provision of clean water, electricity, and gas.
Road Networks: Construction and repair of streets and main access roads to ensure connectivity with the rest of the city.
3. New Model Graveyard at Pandorian
Alongside housing reforms, the CDA Board addressed the city’s growing need for burial spaces. A proposal for a Model Graveyard at Pandorian was reviewed with instructions to include:
Dedicated funeral and ablution areas.
Modern transport services (Ambulances & Funeral vans).
Security through CCTV surveillance and parking facilities.
| Project | Location | Key Features |
| Katchi Abadi Upgradation | Various ICT Areas | Infrastructure, Roads, Legal Status |
| Model Graveyard | Pandorian, Islamabad | CCTV, Funeral Services, Parking |
4. Impact on Islamabad’s Future
The CDA Katchi Abadi Regulations 2025 are designed to promote “sustainable and organized urban development.” By bringing these areas into the formal net, the CDA can better manage population density and improve service delivery across the capital. For the real estate sector, this means a clearer distinction between legal and illegal settlements, protecting investors from fraudulent deals.
Final Thoughts
The decision to upgrade katchi abadis and develop modern civic facilities like the Pandorian graveyard shows a balanced approach toward social welfare and urban growth. As Islamabad expands, these regulations will serve as a blueprint for “Urban Regeneration” in other cities of Pakistan as well. Residents and stakeholders should stay tuned for the fresh survey results to confirm their eligibility in the upcoming schemes.
