Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The Building Control Section (BCS) of the Capital Development Authority (BCS) sealed the premises of CASE University on Sunday over the non-conforming use of its premises.

The building which was being used for the aforementioned university is situated on a plot originally allotted to for the construction of a museum and a library.

It is not a sole case, but dozens of other plots are also being used straight contrary to their allotment purposes. It has also come under the violation of morality in addition to illegality, when a property meant for some charitable purposes is being used for commercial purposes.

The same is being followed by the management of the Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering (CASE) University as it has been working at the Sir Syed Memorial Complex in Sector G-5/1 for the last many years.

The plot of the said complex was originally allotted to build an auditorium, a library, a reading room and a museum to pay homage to veteran educationist and reformist in pre-independence subcontinent, Sir Syed Ahmed Ali Khan.

CDA’s Residential Sector Zoning Regulations 2005, categorically bar the use of any plot for any other use than for the purpose for which it was allotted. The section 2.1.3 of the said regulations state that any building found in violation of its allotment purpose shall be removed or converted into authorised use.

A penalty can also be imposed on the owner of such properties and their plots are also liable to be cancelled if the owners refuse to act on the directions of the CDA, the Section 2.1.4 of the regulations states.

The BCS had first issued a show notice to the owners of the said plot on September 16, 2011 to explain their position, followed by a number of notices in the last five years.

The final notice in this regard was served on April 21, 2016 in which it was clearly directed to the owners to vacate the university from the premises. The notice further warned of strict action in case of failing in complying with the CDA notice.

Meanwhile, briefing a Standing Committee in the National Assembly on Federal Education and Professional Training, the Member Planning of the CDA Asad Mehboob Kiani, had also declared the operations of the said university from this building as straightly contrary to the rules of the civic body.

However, the committee members had recommended the civic body to give some time to the management of the said university for relocation till the final examination to avoid inconvenience to the students enrolled.

Now, the civic body while taking action closed the premise of the university on Sunday and sealed the main gate of the building.

While talking to Daily Times the Director BCS Shafi Marwat, briefed: “The Authority was asking the management to stop non-confirming use of the building since 2011, but the same was continued by the management besides repeated notices.”

When questioned what the next step of the authority and the expected future of this building would be, the director responded; “it is up to the higher ups of the civic body as to what they will decide.”

However, another official of the CDA commented: “The civic body should retain this building and open it for the general public as the management never used this building for its original purpose.”