The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has been directed to resolve a long-standing land issue involving the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), after the institution reportedly waited six years for the allotment of land despite paying around Rs. 4 billion.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal called for an immediate resolution of the matter on Thursday while reviewing progress on several development projects. He directed the CDA to either provide PIDE with the required land or return the amount paid by the institution.
The issue has remained unresolved for years, raising concerns over the delay in fulfilling the land allotment despite the substantial payment made by PIDE. The latest directive seeks to bring the matter to a conclusion and provide clarity to the development economics institute.
During the review meeting, Ahsan Iqbal instructed the relevant authorities to address the issue without further delay. The minister’s directive gives the CDA two clear options: complete the required land allotment to PIDE or refund the approximately Rs. 4 billion received from the institution.
The prolonged delay has placed the land transaction under renewed scrutiny. PIDE, a prominent research and policy institution, requires appropriate facilities to support its academic, research and institutional activities.
The matter also highlights broader challenges surrounding the timely execution of development-related decisions in Islamabad. Delays in land allocation can affect institutional expansion, infrastructure planning and the implementation of projects connected with public-sector organizations.
The CDA is responsible for planning and managing key areas of Islamabad, including land development and allocation. Resolving the PIDE case could help address concerns about administrative delays and ensure that commitments involving public institutions are handled within a reasonable timeframe.
The Rs. 4 billion payment makes the issue particularly significant. If the required land cannot be provided, the minister has directed the authority to return the money rather than allow the matter to remain unresolved.
Ahsan Iqbal’s instructions are expected to put pressure on the CDA to take a definitive decision. The authority will now need to determine whether it can proceed with the promised land allotment or initiate the process of refunding PIDE.
The development comes as the government continues to review progress on various development projects and seeks faster implementation of pending decisions. The PIDE land issue is likely to remain under attention until either the allotment is completed or the payment is returned.
For PIDE, a final resolution would end a six-year wait and provide greater certainty regarding its future infrastructure requirements. For the CDA, resolving the case could demonstrate progress in addressing long-pending administrative and development matters.