PakistanBusiness

Ahsan annoyed at CDA for not providing land to PIDE despite being paid

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal expressed serious concern over the delay by the Capital Development Authority in providing land to Pakistan Institute of Development Economics despite receiving payment of PKR 4 billion.

Hamza Habib

Deputy News Editor3 September 20262 min read

Ahsan annoyed at CDA for not providing land to PIDE despite being paidPhoto: QOM

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal expressed serious concern over the delay by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in providing land to Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) despite receiving payment of PKR 4 billion.

The minister stated this while chairing an important meeting on Thursday to review progress on various development projects and matters of public importance. He noted that PIDE had deposited approximately PKR 4 billion with the CDA between 2017 and 2020, yet the institution had not been provided the required land despite the passage of six years.

Ahsan Iqbal said that PIDE had been continuously pursuing the matter with the CDA since 2022, but no viable progress had been made so far. He observed that land allocated to PIDE had frequently been found to be encumbered by legal or ownership issues. He made it clear that PIDE requires land on an urgent basis and, if suitable land is not available with the CDA, the institution’s funds should be returned.

Ahsan directed the CDA to provide an immediate and clear response, stating that either the required land should be provided to PIDE or its paid amount should be refunded. He questioned how ordinary citizens could expect fair treatment if a public institution itself faced such prolonged delays in resolving its legitimate issues. He emphasised that the matter could no longer be allowed to remain pending.

Regarding Kachhi Canal project, the minister emphasised that the project must adhere to the highest standards of construction quality and directed the concerned authorities to ensure strict compliance at every stage. He directed that the Balochistan government be taken on board on all available options to ensure that the project moves forward in an effective, transparent and coordinated manner.

Reviewing the Allama Iqbal Memorial and Iqbal Library project, Ahsan Iqbal said the library should be developed to international standards and serve as a role model for other cities. He noted that the coming year would be observed as the Year of Allama Iqbal and directed that work on the project be initiated without further delay. He also directed the CDA to move the summary concerning the library within three days.