In a significant crackdown on illegal constructions and encroachments, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has sealed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Secretariat. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the district administration, involved anti-encroachment teams equipped with heavy machinery at the site in Sector G-84. A heavy police contingent was also present as the CDA initiated the action against unauthorized structures established by the political party.
A CDA spokesperson stated that the plot in question was allotted to an individual named Sartaj Ali. However, violations of building by-laws, including the construction of an additional floor, were noted, and the political party had also reportedly encroached on adjacent land. The CDA had issued several warnings and notices to the plot owner over the past few years, with the latest sealing order issued on May 10, 2024, due to non-compliance.
The spokesperson emphasized that the operation aims to enforce building regulations and remove encroachments, stating that the drive will continue without discrimination. The crackdown led to a confrontation between PTI workers and police forces, resulting in the arrest of PTI Islamabad president Aamir Mughal.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar condemned the sealing of the PTI Central Secretariat, asserting that the party had requested the CDA to specify the encroachments so they could address them independently. He labeled the operation as unconstitutional and illegal and vowed to challenge the move in court, emphasizing that no official notice was received. Gohar highlighted incidents of harassment faced by PTI members and criticized the timing of the operation, stating that it targeted the party.
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Umar Ayub also condemned the operation and the arrest of PTI MNA Aamir Mughal. He criticized the CDA for taking action without prior notice and emphasized that the issue could have been resolved amicably. Ayub accused Shahbaz Sharif and Mohsin Naqvi of fascist behavior and warned of consequences for their actions. He announced plans to file a case against the CDA and Islamabad Police and to raise the issue in the assembly.
