Hey there, future homeowners and savvy investors! If you’re dreaming of owning a piece of the beautiful capital city of Islamabad, you’re not alone. With its lush green hills, modern amenities, and serene vibe, Islamabad is a magnet for those looking to invest in a housing scheme, government housing scheme, city housing, housing planning, or the broader city of housing. But hold on—before you sign on the dotted line or hand over your hard-earned cash, there’s a critical issue you need to know about: illegal housing societies. Yes, you heard that right. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has flagged 99 housing Societies in Islamabad as illegal, and we’re here to break it all down for you in a friendly, easy-to-digest way. Let’s dive in!
The Dream of Owning a Home in Islamabad
Islamabad is more than just Pakistan’s capital—it’s a city that blends urban sophistication with natural beauty. From the stunning Margalla Hills to the bustling sectors, it’s no wonder people are eager to call this place home. Whether you’re eyeing a cozy plot in a housing Societies or a sprawling farm in a city of housing, the allure is undeniable. But here’s the catch: not every shiny brochure or charming sales pitch is backed by legitimacy. The CDA, the authority that oversees housing planning in Islamabad, has sounded the alarm on 99 housing societies operating without proper approvals. This is a big deal, and we’re here to help you navigate the murky waters of real estate in the capital.

Why the CDA Matters in Housing Planning
Before we get to the list of illegal societies, let’s talk about the CDA and why it’s the gatekeeper of city housing in Islamabad. The Capital Development Authority, established under the CDA Ordinance of 1960, is responsible for regulating the planning and development of housing and farm housing Societies across the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). Think of the CDA as the city’s real estate referee, ensuring that every housing scheme or government housing Societies follows the rules laid out in the ICT Zoning Regulations of 1992.
Here’s how it works: for a housing society to be legit, it must go through a two-step approval process. First, the CDA reviews and approves the Layout Plan (LOP)—basically, the blueprint of the society. Once that’s cleared and all formalities are met, the CDA issues a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Only then can developers start construction or sell plots. Without these approvals, any housing scheme is considered illegal, and that’s where the trouble begins.
The Shocking List of 99 Illegal Housing Societies
In a public notice, the CDA has highlighted 99 housing and agro-farming schemes that are operating without the necessary approvals. These societies have been marketing and selling plots without an NOC, putting unsuspecting buyers at risk. Below is the complete list of these illegal societies, many of which are located in Zones 3 and 4 of Islamabad, areas known for having a high concentration of unauthorized developments:
- Royal City Housing Scheme – Lehtrar Road
- Japan Valley – Kirpa
- Ghouri Gardens – Lehtrar Road
- Satti Town – Lehtrar Road
- Simly Valley (1&2) – Simly Dam Road
- Dhanyal Town – Hunro Thanda Pani
- Ghakkar Town – Lehtrar Road
- Usama Town – Hunro Thanda Pani
- Abdullah Gardens – Kuri Road
- Centerbury Enclave – near Park Road
- Qurtbal Town – Islamabad Highway
- Commoners Sky Garden (Flower Valley) – Muzaffarabad Town, Pid Begwal, Simly Dam Road
- Madina Enclave Phase-I – Lehtrar-Simly Dam Link Road
- Star Villas Housing Scheme – Simly Dam Road
- Saif Gardens – Ali Pur Farash, Lehtrar Road
- Babar Enclave – Mora Noor
- Doctors Enclave – Park Road
- Green Avenue-II – Kuri Road
- Hammad Town (Mouza Mohrian) – Kuri Road
- Marwa Town – Islamabad Highway
- Media City-1 – Kirpa Road
- Paradise Point HS – Lehtrar Road
- Government Officers Co-operative Housing Scheme
- Badar Farms – Simly Dam Road
- Green Field – Simly Dam Road
- Shaheen Farms – Simly Dam Road
- Kohsar Enclave – near Naval Farms, Simly Dam Road
- Ali Town
- Green Meadows (North Ridge) Housing Scheme
- Al-Rayan Society
- Land Sub-division sponsored by Mr. Raja Farukh – south of Korang River near Bani Gala Bridge
- Katrsaz Villas – near D-12 Shah Allah Ditta, Zone-III
- Major Makhdoom Society
- Green Hills
- Arcadia City
- Aryan Enclave – Main Korang Road, Bani Gala
- Adil Valley – Simly Dam Road
- Adil Farms – Simly Dam Road
- Al-Syed Avenue – Park Road
- Al-Rehman City View – Lehtrar Road (near PS Nilore)
- Al-Rehman Villas – Kuri Road near Attock Petroleum
- Al-Huda Town – Lehtrar Road
- Ali Model Town
- Abdullah Garden – Kuri Road
- Asian Ranches Villas – Lehtrar, Simly Dam Link Road
- Arsalan Town – Lehtrar Road
- Abu Bakar Town – Islamabad Highway
- Ameer Khan Enclave – Mallah Road near Bahria Enclave
- Blue Enclave/Star Home – Lehtrar, Simly Dam Link Road
- Burma Town – Lehtrar Road
- Bylee Town – Kuri Road near Attock Petroleum
- Bara Kahu Enclave – Islamabad
- Bani Gala Hill View – Hill View Road, Bani Gala
- Commoners Sky Garden (Flower Valley)
- City View – near Nilore
- City Town – Lehtrar Road
- Capital Gardens – Lehtrar Road
- Dearm Land City – Lehtrar Road, Thanda Pani
- Faisal Town – Islamabad Highway
- Ghouri Town (all Phases) – Islamabad Expressway
- Green Avenue – Park Road
- Green View Villas – Off Lehtrar Road
- Green Valley (1&2) – Simly Dam Road
- Gulberg Town (1&2) – Lehtrar Road
- Gulf Residencia – Lehtrar Road
- Green Residencia – Lehtrar Road
- Green Valley – Karor Road near Quran Complex
- Hill View Houses – Simly Dam Road
- Iqbal Town – Islamabad Expressway
- Ideal Residencia – near Park Enclave
- Ittifaq Town – Old Kirpa Road, Off Lehtrar Road
- Islamabad Saif Garden – Kirpa Road, Off Lehtrar Road
- J&K Farm Housing Scheme – Islamabad Expressway
- Kiani Town – Kirpa Road, Off Lehtrar Road
- Karsaz Villas – near D-12 Shah Allah Ditta
- Land Sub-division sponsored by Mr. Shahzad – Sanjania Road, Bani Gala
- Madina Town – Islamabad Highway
- Muslim Town – Simly Dam Road
- Margalla Gardens – Lehtrar Road
- Mufti Mehmood Enclave – Off Lehtrar Road
- Makkah Town – Hurno Thanda Pani, Nilore
- New University Town (near COMSATS) – Park Road
- Olive Wood Farms – Simly Dam Road
- OGDCOL Town – near Chattar Murree Road
- Park Lane Valley – Park Road
- PTV Colony – Simly Dam Road
- Rawal Enclave – Kuri Road
- Rawal Enclave Phase-III – Lehtrar Road
- Royal Homes/Residencia – Lehtrar Road
- Satti Town – Lehtrar Road
- Spring Valley – Simly Dam Road
- Sama Town
- Tricon Agro-Farms – Simly Dam Road
- The Enclave Housing Scheme – Main Bani Gala Road
- Danyal Town – Hurno Thanda Pani, Nilore
- Ghakar Town – Lehtrar Road (near Malal Bridge Nilore)
- Usama Town – Hurno Thanda Pani (near Aziz Market Nilore)
- Yar Muhammad Society – Bani Gala
This list, compiled from CDA’s official notices, is a wake-up call for anyone considering investing in these schemes.

Why Are These Societies Illegal?
You might be wondering, “How do so many societies end up on the naughty list?” It comes down to a few key reasons, as outlined by the CDA and ICT Zoning Regulations:
- No CDA Approval: Many of these societies haven’t even applied for the necessary Layout Plan approval or NOC. Without these, any development or plot sales are illegal. For example, Doctors Enclave and Muslim Town were flagged for not registering with the CDA at all.
- Zoning Violations: Islamabad is divided into five zones, and certain areas, like Zone 3, are off-limits for residential projects due to protected ranges and forests. Societies like Arcadia City, located in Zone 3, were declared illegal for violating these rules.
- Lack of Amenities: A proper housing Societies must include essentials like parks, schools, mosques, hospitals, and graveyards. Many illegal societies, like Ghouri Town, skip these, focusing solely on maximizing residential plots for profit.
- Illegal Land Use: Some societies, like Bahria Enclave, have been caught occupying land illegally. In one case, the CDA ordered Bahria Enclave to forfeit 510 kanals and 6 marlas of illegally possessed land.
- Over-Selling Plots: Societies like the National Police Foundation were flagged for selling more plots than the land they legally acquired, a shady practice that leaves buyers high and dry.
These violations aren’t just technicalities—they can lead to serious consequences, like halted construction, sealed offices, or even legal action against developers.
The Risks of Investing in Illegal Housing Societies
Investing in an illegal housing Societies is like buying a ticket to a concert that might never happen. Here’s why you should steer clear:
- Financial Loss: If a society is declared illegal, your investment could be frozen or lost entirely. Construction may be halted, and plots may become unsellable. Imagine putting your life savings into a plot only to find out it’s on illegally occupied land!
- No Legal Recourse: Without CDA approval, your purchase isn’t backed by legal protections. If the developer disappears or the project is shut down, you could be left empty-handed.
- Lack of Infrastructure: Many illegal societies lack basic amenities like water, electricity, or proper roads. For instance, residents of Ghouri Town have complained about no water supply and a lack of graveyards, making daily life a challenge.
- Environmental Concerns: Some societies, built near riverbeds or protected areas, pose environmental risks. Recent posts on X have highlighted CDA’s plans to crack down on illegal schemes near Soan River and Korang Nullah, citing environmental damage and encroachments.
- Emotional Stress: Buying a plot is a big decision, often tied to dreams of building a home. Finding out your investment is in an illegal society can be heartbreaking and stressful.

How to Spot a Legal Housing Scheme
Don’t worry—we’re not here to scare you off investing in Islamabad’s city of housing! There are plenty of legitimate housing Societies out there. Here’s how to ensure you’re dealing with a CDA-approved society:
- Check the CDA Website: The CDA regularly updates its list of approved and illegal societies. Visit www.cda.gov.pk to verify the status of any housing scheme.
- Ask for the NOC: Always request the No Objection Certificate from the developer. If they can’t provide it, walk away.
- Research the Zone: Understand the zoning regulations for the area. For example, residential projects are allowed in Sub-Zones B, C, and D of Zone 4, but not in Zone 3.
- Look for Amenities: A legitimate society will have a well-planned layout with parks, schools, and other facilities. If the plan seems to be all plots and no community spaces, it’s a red flag.
- Consult Experts: Work with reputable real estate agents who know the ins and outs of housing planning in Islamabad. They can guide you to CDA-approved projects.