The Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board has approved amendments to the Building Control Regulations 2023, easing parking requirements for high-rise commercial buildings in Islamabad to facilitate construction and investment.

The decision was taken during the 10th CDA Board meeting of 2026, chaired by CDA Chairman and Islamabad Chief Commissioner Suhail Ashraf. The meeting was attended by Member Administration, Member Finance, Member Planning, Member Estate, Member Building, Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali and other senior officials.

Under the revised regulations, commercial buildings will now be required to provide one parking space for every 1,000 square feet instead of the previous requirement of one parking space for every 750 square feet.

According to the CDA, the previous rule had created difficulties for builders and developers by requiring extensive underground basement construction. The revised standard, proposed by the business community and other stakeholders, aligns Islamabad’s regulations with those of other major cities.

The new policy takes effect immediately and will apply to the CDA’s upcoming open auctions on August 4, 5 and 6, as well as future commercial plot auctions.

The authority said the move is expected to simplify building plan approvals, encourage construction activity and attract greater investment to the federal capital.