Clashes erupt in Islamabad as anti-encroachment drive turns violent

Violence broke out in Islamabad on Tuesday after an anti-encroachment operation by the Capital Development Authority met fierce resistance from residents in the Noorpur Shahan area near Bari Imam Shrine.

As per Dawn, at least eight officers and dozens of villagers were injured during the clashes, while two official vehicles were set on fire. The confrontation erupted when demolition teams arrived in Noori Bagh Mohallah to remove what authorities described as illegal structures.

As the first demolition began, hundreds of residents, including women and children, gathered at the site and attempted to halt the operation by pelting stones at officials, forcing them to briefly withdraw. Additional police reinforcements, including anti-riot units, were later deployed, allowing the operation to resume.

Escalation and use of force

Tensions quickly intensified as villagers continued to resist, leading to direct confrontations between residents and law enforcement. Police resorted to teargas shelling and baton charges to disperse the crowd, while reports of gunfire further heightened the situation. Authorities and residents traded blame over the alleged use of weapons.

Has CDA & the government gone absolutely mad? These aren't terrorists they're firing at, they're local people defending the homes they've lived in for generations in Bari Imam. Insane to create a law & order situation without even trying to *talk* to the residents first. pic.twitter.com/GBGNNDYgD6

— Ammar Rashid (@AmmarRashidT) April 14, 2026

Officials said the protesters grew increasingly aggressive, throwing stones and torching two government vehicles. In response, police carried out heavy teargas shelling to push the crowd back. Many residents, particularly women and children, later retreated into their homes.

Villagers, speaking anonymously, alleged that police also used pellet fire during the operation, claiming that around 50 residents were injured. Authorities have not confirmed the use of such force.

Widespread demolitions and security lockdown

By late evening, the operation was still underway, with Noori Bagh Mohallah reportedly razed. The demolition drive is part of a broader campaign in Noorpur Shahan, where thousands of structures have been removed in recent months.

Police also launched search operations in nearby localities, detaining dozens of individuals. Security was tightened across the area, with around 1,000 personnel deployed and key access routes sealed. Entry points from Margalla Road, Third Avenue and the Diplomatic Enclave were closed, while only limited access from Shahdara remained open.

The situation remained tense, with authorities continuing efforts to restore order and prevent further escalation.