CDA operation in Islamabad turns violent; protesters, police injured

ISLAMABAD: Several civilians and police officers were injured on Monday as clashes broke out between demonstrators and law enforcement during operation by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) against alleged illegal constructions in the Noorpur Shahan and Nori Bagh localities near Bari Imam in the federal capital.

The CDA action, aimed at clearing alleged encroachments and unauthorized buildings, forced the closure of the main road to Malpur, causing long traffic queues.

The Green Line bus service from Bhara Kahu was also suspended, leaving commuters stranded and causing major disruption at the bus terminal.

Residents resisting the operation clashed with police and CDA personnel. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, injuring several protesters, including women and elderly people, who were taken to nearby hospitals, police said.

Protesters hurled stones at security forces, wounding a number of police officials, according to local authorities. As tensions escalated, the CDA temporarily halted its operation.

Participants in the protest accused the CDA of unfair treatment, saying the authority had in the past allotted valuable state land to the Islamabad Club at nominal rates — sometimes as low as three rupees per acre — while now demolishing the homes of poorer residents. They described the drive as discriminatory and targeting marginalized communities.

Residents affected by the ongoing Capital Development Authority (CDA) operation in Noorpur Shahan and Nori Bagh alleged that the authorities had previously permitted them to build houses on the land after accepting substantial bribes. According to the residents, many families had been living on the land for years and had been provided with gas, water, and electricity connections by the relevant municipal departments.

They argued that the CDA officials responsible for these allocations should be held accountable for what they described as systematic bribery and illegal sale of valuable state property. The residents also called for strict action against senior officials, including the CDA chairman and the Islamabad deputy commissioner, claiming that they had knowingly allowed such practices to continue during their tenures.

Islamabad police spokesperson, however, said that officers, revenue department officials and CDA personnel were conducting a lawful survey in Nuri Mohalla when “unprovoked firing and stone‑pelting” started, injuring police officers.

He said that those responsible would face strict legal action, and added that attacks on law enforcement were “intolerable” and that all measures would be taken to ensure the safety of citizens and property.

Separately on Monday, CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa convened a high‑level meeting to review progress in the anti‑encroachment campaign.

Officials including Member Administration Talat Mehmood, Member Planning and Design Dr Khalid Hafeez, Member Environment Asfandyar Baloch, Deputy Director General Enforcement Dr Anum Fatima and other senior officers attended the session, which focused on efforts to keep the capital free from illegal constructions and encroachments in line with the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Officials told the meeting that, under the supervision of Deputy DG Enforcement Dr Anum Fatima, operations against land grabbers in the Diplomatic Enclave and adjoining areas, including the former Muslim Colony, had led to the recovery of more than 900 kanals of state land from illegal occupants.

They said that in compliance with orders from the Islamabad High Court, all local residents were given lawful hearing opportunities and a site office was established for residents to present their claims.

CDA revenue and planning wing staff were deployed at the office to address concerns and resolve issues according to the law.

Officials said anyone with legally valid ownership documents could contact the CDA for verification.

They added that CDA enforcement teams were supported in all operations by the planning wing, district administration and Islamabad police.

The meeting was informed that first information reports (FIRs) are being rapidly registered against land grabbers and those who mislead innocent citizens regarding state land.

Officials described the actions as essential for protecting valuable state property, preventing future encroachments and maintaining transparency.

CDA Chairman Randhawa said genuine grievances of citizens would be examined in accordance with the law and every possible facility would be provided.

He reiterated the authority’s commitment to organized urban planning, safeguarding state land and making Islamabad free of encroachments.

The CDA administration appealed for public cooperation to help make the capital more orderly and visually attractive, urging citizens to inform authorities of any illegal construction or encroachments.

Officials said land worth billions of rupees had already been recovered from illegal occupants.