CDA approves 23 commercial building plans in four DVC meetings

ISLAMABAD The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved 23 commercial building plans out of 32 cases presented before the Design Vetting Committee (DVC) during its last four meetings held on June 4, June 16, July 30 and August 20, 2026. According to the CDA, a total of 40 commercial building plan cases were scheduled for consideration during the four meetings. However, eight cases were withdrawn by architects and sponsors before the meetings due to incomplete documents and failure to meet the required conditions. Of the remaining 32 cases presented before the DVC, 23 were approved while some cases were postponed due to incomplete presentation of basic parking arrangements and other mandatory parameters by architects and designers. The CDA said the postponed and deferred cases would be presented again before the DVC after completion of all required documents and fulfillment of the relevant requirements. An advisory has also been issued to architects in this regard. Five cases could not be presented because the concerned clients or architects were absent. The CDA said, on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and CDA Chairman, the authority is working to facilitate investment in Islamabad, simplify business procedures and speed up approval of building plans while ensuring public safety. Under the revised procedure, the names of building owners as well as architects and consultants will be mentioned in the final approval letter issued by the DVC. Their names will also be displayed at the construction site during the construction period. The CDA said the measure would help fix responsibility in case of any unauthorized change in the approved design, with legal action possible against the owner, architect or consultant responsible for the violation. The authority said that while the approval process was being made easier and faster, additional responsibilities were also being placed on owners, architects and consultants to ensure compliance with approved designs and regulations. The CDA has also constituted a committee comprising officers from relevant formations to examine complications in the existing building by-laws that are causing delays in the approval of cases. The committee will review parking requirements, commercial regulations and other related matters in detail. The authority said all pending, postponed and deferred cases would be presented in upcoming DVC meetings after completion of the required documentation. CDA officials said the authority aims to facilitate regulatory procedures in the construction sector and resolve pending cases without unnecessary delay. All cases received by the authority are to be presented before the DVC according to the applicable procedure. The CDA further said that citizens whose cases are not being presented before the DVC can approach the Member Planning or Chairman's Office to register their complaints. Complaints can also be submitted through the CDA's online portal. Citizens can also approach CDA offices for resolution of issues related to DVC matters, position certificates and other planning-related concerns. The authority said timely redressal of complaints would be ensured. The CDA said the approval of commercial building plans would help create new investment opportunities in Islamabad, promote construction activity and contribute to the overall development of the capital.It also encouraged citizens to submit their suggestions and feedback regarding DVC matters, land and other related issues through the CDA portal.