Many shops, showrooms, marriage halls, marquees and other structures have been erected in and around the disputed sector
Sector G-12, the long disputed sector of Islamabad for the past two decades, is witnessing unbridled infrastructure development on its fringes. One can witness the development along the Kashmir Highway while entering or leaving Islamabad. Dozens of shops, marriage halls, marquees and showrooms can be spotted along the borders of G-12.
Presently, the construction work on marriage halls, multi-storey plazas, shops, and houses is in full swing as the land mafia is taking advantage of the past history of sector G-12 and the reluctance of CDA and ICTA to undertake action in the sector. In papers, CDA has acquired the sector back in 1985, however, the locals refused to give possession as they found the compensation money insufficient. Since then, there is a bar on sale and purchase of land in the sector. At present, many businessmen and property dealers are selling and purchasing the land in the sector. The sale and purchase are being done without lawful transfer of title, allocation of a plot on the map and registry that is usually the norm in capital.
The sector G-12 has a long violent history. Since the early 90’s the administration and CDA with help from police have tried to vacate the land from its natives, but all such attempts met serious resistance from the residents of the locality. The land of other sectors of G belt, G-14 and G-15 have been acquired, demarcated, sold and presently inhabited by thousands of families.
“The CDA acquired land of many sectors from locals who have been living here for generations. I remember when we moved to G-11 back in the mid 90’s, there was a full-fledged village here, but then in the early 2000’s they gave compensation to the dwellers and acquired the land from them. If this practice can happen elsewhere then why not G-12? It is about time the high-ups find an amicable solution to the problem and curb the illegal constructions in the sector,” said Saddam Hussain, a resident and chartered accountant of G-11.