The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has officially acknowledged that a segment of Murree Road’s right of way has been under the possession of Islamabad Club for parking purposes since the 1990s. This revelation was conveyed by the CDA to the Senate through the Ministry of Interior.
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According to documents, the CDA’s building control section, in a letter dated February 24, 2023, directed the Islamabad Club to remove violations and encroachments on the right of way of Murree Road, including the removal of its fence.
In response, the club cited concerns related to the relocation of the fence, mentioning the potential security threat posed by the regular presence of important guests and dignitaries at the club. The CDA disclosed that the club assured them of the removal and shifting of the fence when required, with a commitment to paying rent for the specified area.
The CDA had initially leased 352.8 acres for the establishment of Islamabad Club. During a Senate session, Senator Mushtaq Ahmed inquired about the club’s alleged illegal occupation of 32.5 kanals adjacent to the club. CDA officials confirmed that Murree Road’s right of way was indeed occupied by the club, and notices issued last year yielded no compliance from the club’s management.
In 2020, the club’s land was reportedly leased for 53 years at a minimal monthly rate to the CDA. Established in 1967, the Islamabad Club provides recreational and sports facilities for government servants, diplomats, and residents of Islamabad. Operating under the Islamabad Club (Administration) Ordinance 1978, the club is a statutory body with the President of Pakistan as its patron and falls under the administrative control of the Cabinet Division.
The administration and assets are vested in an administrator appointed by the federal government, aided by a managing committee appointed by the same authority. The club emphasizes its independence from government grants or funding.
