‘Send them to Gaza?’ IHC judge rebukes CDA during vendors’ license hearing

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to hold consultations with street vendors before making any decision regarding their license renewals, while strongly criticising the civic body’s treatment of small-scale traders.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, hearing a petition against license renewal procedures, observed: “You must sit down and resolve this issue properly.” The court was informed that a vendor had recently been fined Rs30,000 by a CDA magistrate – a penalty the petitioner’s lawyer called “disproportionate.”

“Wasn’t it directed that vendors be allocated space near commercial centres in sectors?” Justice Khan questioned CDA officials, adding: “If you’re opposing this, then show examples where you’ve made accommodations.”

The judge delivered scathing remarks about the authority’s approach: “When influential people send letters, you quietly sign off on half a sector without question because your jobs are at stake… You have no concern for dignified livelihoods of the poor.”

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In a pointed comment, Justice Khan stated: “This affects 20,000-30,000 livelihoods, and you show no care. If they must live, should we send them to Gaza instead?”

The CDA representative argued that commercial land near centres couldn’t be permanently allotted to vendors as “they won’t vacate later.” The court adjourned the hearing until July 2, directing CDA to present a workable solution.

Special Magistrate Sardar Asif appeared before the court representing CDA during the proceedings.