Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) moved an application in Supreme Court of Pakistan requesting to grant permission for demolishing the construction of shelters being carried out illegally to establish Katchi Abadi on the land of Authority.

Earlier on August 26, 2015 the top court had restrained CDA from demolishing any house of already existing in Katchi Abadi on a petition moved by Awami Workers Party President Abid Hassan Minto against eviction of residents of I-11 katchi Abadi on July 30.

The top court, however, also ruled that if any fresh encroachment is made, the CDA would report to SC and then the authority would be allowed to proceed against immediately.

Now through a miscellaneous application moved by Counsel Muhammad Munir Paracha in the main petition of Abid Hassan Minto, Asim Sajjad and other slum dwellers, the CDA claimed that number of persons initiated encroachments on the land owned by CDA under the garb of top court’s order.

“Taking benefit of this order, the number of persons have started encroaching upon the land owned by the CDA and started illegal construction in order to strengthen their claim on the hopes that the illegal construction will be regularized by the CDA,” the application stated.

The authority also highlighted the places where Katchi Abadis and slums are being made. The application stated that the encroachment is being made in Muslim Colony, Bari Imam, Dhoke Tahili, Mohallah Dori Bagh G-7/3-2, G-6/2, G6/1-4, F-8, F-7, G-7 Markaz, G-8 Markaz, Miskeen Colony, H-9, I-12, H-10, I-9 Esa Nagri and Model Village Saidpur.

The CDA also contended that top court’s order, regarding submission of application for permission of demolishing existing areas, requires time for fixture of the matter which ultimately benefits the illegal encroachers in terms of completion of construction.

“If the application is filed by CDA, it takes some time to get the CMA is fixed and in the meanwhile the encroachers completes the construction on the encroached area,” contended CDA.

CDA also requested the top court to appropriately amend its order dated August 26, 2015 to block the illegal construction by the encroachers. The Authority also prayed that the CDA be permitted to demolish construction in the said areas.