Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday (August 10) barred the Capital Development Authority (CDA) from razing the ‘Katchi Abadis’ in the city, according to news sources.
Chief Justice of IHC Justice Athar Minallah led a single bench and directed CDA to submit a report regarding the matter. The justice also issued notices to the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) because of the questions raised in the petition that prompted the hearing.
Moreover, the court has appointed Omer Ijaz Gillani, Abid Hassan Minto Advocate, Vice Chairman Islamabad Bar Council, Vice Chairman Pakistan Bar Council, and Abid Saqi Advocate as amici curiae to assist in this matter.
Raja Sohail, the petitioner, is among the residents of the Katchi Abadi and argued that notices to evacuate were sent to a few people only. In this regard, the counsel disclosed that the inhabitants of the Abadi were treated differently than the privileged classes due to the unfair distribution of the state assets. It was brought into light that these classes were allocated state land at low prices than market price.
Furthermore, the court directed Federal Government Employees Housing Authority Director General (DG) and Chairman CDA to submit a comprehensive report explaining why working classes living in the Katchi Abadi were not eligible for the allotment.
The secretary of housing and works was ordered to submit a report on the policy of the federal government on the rights of working people living in the Katchi Abadis for decades. The hearing had been adjourned till August 25 and in the meantime, the court has ordered CDA not to demolish Katchi Abadis.
Iqra holds BS in International Relations and is passionate about writing engaging content on trending real estate topics. When not working, she is either spending time with family, shopping, or discussing shows & movies.
