President Asif Ali Zardari has formally approved the Capital Development Authority (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which the government has now notified through the official gazette, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.
The newly enforced ordinance aims to protect the rights of affectees and landowners within the federal capital territory. It guarantees just compensation to Islamabad’s affected individuals either through monetary payments or alternative land.
According to the amendment, compensation may be provided through division of land, cash payments, or other modes as determined by the authority. The Deputy Commissioner of CDA will officially announce the compensation.
The ordinance authorises the deputy commissioner to issue separate decisions—one for the land and another for any existing constructions on it.
Pending revenue cases up to October 30, 2025, will be resolved under the currently applicable rehabilitation policy.
Compensation assessment will be made under Sections 30 and 31 of the amended ordinance. As per amended Section 30, any replacement land must match the original in value, utility, and accessibility.
Where necessary, rehabilitation and resettlement benefits will also be extended to restore the livelihoods and living standards of the affectees. The compensation must be equitably distributed to ensure no party is disadvantaged due to land acquisition.
A new clause, Section 32A, mandates that in case of delayed compensation, the Deputy Commissioner will pay an additional amount at an annual rate of 8 percent from the date of possession to the date of full payment.
The ordinance also addresses cases involving completely incapacitated individuals. As per the revised Section 33B, if a rightful claimant is a minor, mentally unfit, or otherwise legally incapable of receiving the compensation, the Deputy Commissioner may authorise payment to a legally applying representative on their behalf.
Reporter: Tayyab Saif