The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to resolve pending land compensation claims and provide legally entitled benefits to affected landowners and allottees within six months. The ruling brings hope to families who have faced decades of delays, particularly Sector E-12 allottees in Islamabad.
The detailed judgment, authored by Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, was announced on November 11, 2026. It covers several land acquisition, compensation and rehabilitation disputes, including cases related to Sector E-12. The court also overturned certain directions issued by the Islamabad High Court in 2021 and 2024.
Under the ruling, the CDA must review pending claims, hear affected parties where necessary, implement valid allotments and provide compensation and rehabilitation benefits guaranteed under the law. The authority has been given six months to complete the process.
However, the court clarified that compensation and other benefits must remain within the limits of final acquisition awards and applicable laws. Neither the federal government nor the CDA can reopen settled awards, approve unauthorized compensation or create additional property rights beyond their legal powers.
The court also upheld the February 22, 1969 acquisition award covering 845 acres, seven kanals and seven marlas in Mouza Bheka Sayedan. Subsequent awards issued in 1980, 1982 and 1985 for built-up properties will remain enforceable under their respective terms.
The decision is particularly significant for Sector E-12 allottees, who have been waiting since 1989 for development and physical possession of their plots. The CDA must now address their outstanding claims within the court's six-month deadline.
