A district court in Islamabad has issued a show-cause notice to the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The notice comes over the non-implementation of a 26-year-old court decree. Civil Judge Nasiruddin also ordered the CDA chairman to appear in person at the next hearing.
The case, titled Muhammad Rashid versus Chairman CDA, concerns the implementation of a decree first issued in 2000. Muhammad Rashid claims the CDA acquired his land years ago. However, the authority failed to provide the benefits owed under its rehabilitation and resettlement policy.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan upheld the original decree in a later ruling. However, the CDA has not fully implemented the court order even after multiple judicial decisions. As a result, the district court previously issued arrest warrants against the CDA chairman in the same matter.
Barrister Hasnain Haider Thaheem represented the petitioner in court. He asked the judge to ensure the effective and complete implementation of the decree. In response, the court issued the show-cause notice and summoned the chairman in person.
The current CDA Chairman is Lt. General (Retd.) Sohail Ashraf, who also serves as Chief Commissioner Islamabad. The federal government appointed him in April 2026 to replace Muhammad Ali Randhawa.
The case also fits a broader pattern of court action against CDA leadership this year. Specifically, the Islamabad High Court launched contempt proceedings against the CDA chairman in January 2026 over a separate matter. In addition, several property owners have filed similar petitions over delayed resettlement benefits.
For many Islamabad residents, the case highlights the slow pace of resettlement compensation. The CDA has acquired their land over the years but delayed the payouts. Furthermore, the direct summons to the chairman signals growing judicial frustration with CDA compliance.
The court has not announced the next hearing date publicly. However, the chairman must now appear in person when the matter comes up.
