The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to take back the 140 acres of land it had previously allocated to the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) for the Islamabad Technopolis project near Chak Shahzad.
Instead of transferring or selling the land to STZA, the CDA will now develop and auction the plots itself, while STZA will only work as a facilitator and licensing body.
This decision was made during a meeting at CDA headquarters chaired by Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa. Senior CDA officials and representatives from STZA attended the session, where both sides agreed to restructure their roles.
Why Was the Offer Withdrawn?
Several years ago, after receiving approval from the federal cabinet, the CDA issued an official offer letter to STZA asking it to deposit the cost of the land. However, STZA never paid the amount, and the land remained undeveloped. With delays mounting and development needs growing, CDA has now decided to move forward independently.
Under the updated arrangement:
• CDA will retain ownership of the land.
• It will develop the site and auction commercial and industrial plots itself.
• STZA will act only as a regulatory and licensing authority for companies operating within the technopolis.
• A new layout plan of the area will be prepared by CDA.
Officials believe this approach will speed up development and bring clarity to the project’s future.
Zoning Concerns & Local Impact
The land in question lies in Zone III of Islamabad, an area where construction is ordinarily not permitted under CDA rules. Locals have long been stopped from building even small houses on their inherited properties there. Many residents accuse CDA of ignoring them while facilitating large-scale commercial projects.
However, CDA officials clarified that the federal cabinet had already approved the establishment of Islamabad Technopolis in that particular area, which legally allows development despite zoning restrictions. They added that if the cabinet permits residential construction in Zone III, the CDA would follow suit.
Vision for Technopolis
As per official documents, Islamabad Technopolis is always seen as a hub for global tech firms, foreign investors and Pakistani expatriates, offering modern infrastructure and tax incentives. The project aims to generate jobs, foreign direct investment, and foster innovation through a technology-driven ecosystem.
With CDA now directly in charge, the project is set to move ahead on new terms—though questions around zoning, local rights, and transparency are likely to remain in public debate.