04/06/2026
CDA Board Greenlights Historic Zoning Overhaul to Protect Margalla Hills and Restructure Islamabad
In a landmark move destined to reshape the capital's urban landscape and environmental footprint, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board has granted in-principle approval for major amendments to the ICT Zoning Regulation 1992 (Zone-3).
This historic decision focuses heavily on the preservation of the ecologically sensitive Margalla Hills, while simultaneously introducing new sub-zones to streamline urban development and private sector participation.
1. Protecting the Green Core: Decisions on Zone-3 & Zone-3A
The CDA has taken a decisive stand on safeguarding Islamabad's natural heritage by strictly redefining the boundaries around the Margalla Hills.
Official Designation of Zone-3: The officially notified area of the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) will now be formally designated as Zone-3.
The Creation of Zone-3A: Non-acquired areas surrounding the Margalla Hills—including prominent localities like Shahdara, Talhar, and Gokina—have been classified under a newly created category: Zone-3A.
Land Acquisition: The CDA will actively acquire all land within Zone-3A to officially merge these territories into the Margalla Hills National Park/Zone-3 protection zone.
Strict Construction Ban: Existing villages and settlements within these limits will be strictly contained. The CDA has imposed a complete ban on any new constructions in these areas to prevent further environmental degradation.
2. Restructuring Sectors and Highways: Zone-1A & Zone-4E
To better manage the transition between urban infrastructure and natural reserves, the board approved the creation of two strategic sub-zones:
Zone-1A (North of Margalla Avenue)
This zone encompasses the land situated between the Margalla Hills and existing sectors (specifically extending north of Margalla Avenue up to Sector C-16).
The Strategy: The CDA will acquire private land in this sector to launch development schemes in accordance with Zone-1 regulations. Private construction will no longer be permitted independently.
Zone-4E (Murree Road / Srinagar Highway Interface)
This sub-zone covers the critical real estate bridging the Margalla Hills with Murree Road and the Srinagar Highway.
The Strategy: Unlike Zone-1A, the private sector will be allowed to launch development projects here, provided they obtain official approval and strictly adhere to CDA’s revised regulations.
3. High-Powered Committee Formed for Regulatory Framework
To ensure smooth implementation, a high-powered committee has been established to formulate planning strategies and specific zoning regulations for these new sub-zones.
Sr. No. Committee Member Designation Role
1 Member (Planning & Development), CDA Chairman
2 Member Estate, CDA Member
3 Nayyar Ali Dada (Renowned Architect & CDA Board Member) Member
4 Director General Environment, CDA Member
5 Director Technical to Chairman, CDA Member
6 Director Master Plan, CDA Member
4. The Roadmap: Next Steps to Final Implementation
The transformation of these proposals into enforceable law will follow a strict, time-bound legal
[CDA Enforces New Building Regulations]
15-Day Deadline: The newly formed committee is mandated to present its finalized recommendations and regulatory drafts to the CDA Board within 15 days.
Federal Cabinet Review: Following the CDA Board's internal endorsement, the summary will be forwarded via the Ministry of Interior to the Federal Cabinet for final statutory approval.
Implementation: Once the Federal Cabinet gives the green light, the CDA will officially implement and enforce the updated building and zoning regulations across the capital.
