The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has issued an encroachment notice at a property where Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is currently staying, directing the removal of unauthorised structures within 15 days.
The notice, issued on Friday, is addressed to Amanullah, son of Muhammad Younis, who is identified as the property’s owner. Fazlur Rehman is only staying at the residence and is not its owner. The notice identifies several encroachments on CDA land, including security guards’ cabins and a generator.
The authority has also identified a kitchen constructed within the premises as a violation of building regulations. It has warned that failure to remove the identified structures within 15 days could result in the property being sealed or the unauthorised constructions being demolished.
The notice also mentions that CDA had previously directed the removal of encroachments from the property on March 18, 2019.
Responding to the notice, Fazlur Rehman’s son and JUI-F leader Maulana Asjad Mahmood described the action as retaliatory, linking it to his father’s political differences with the government.
In a statement, Mahmood said that the measures began after encroachments were brought to the attention of the Peshawar corps commander. “When no response was received to the issue being raised, opponents resorted to cheap tactics,” he said.
He added that objections have also been raised over the removal of a security guard’s cabin, the relocation of the generator and the construction of an additional kitchen.
Mahmood alleged that state institutions are being used to fulfil one individual’s personal desire for revenge.
“Turning political differences into personal vendettas is a matter of concern,” he stated, urging the public and JUI-F workers to remain informed and vigilant.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has described the CDA’s action as part of its ongoing anti-encroachment campaign, saying that the drive against illegal constructions in Islamabad has been continuing for more than a year.
Speaking to a private television channel, Chaudhry said that the operation did not begin recently and initially targeted the capital’s posh sectors.
He added that authorities issued notices to property owners whose premises have security cabins, generators or unauthorised constructions on green areas.
The minister said that the government is also removing unauthorised security deployments from public spaces, including green belts, without discrimination.
Referring to the notice, Chaudhry said it has been issued in Amanullah’s name and added that he does not know what arrangement exists between him and the JUI-F chief.
“Defending illegal constructions is unbecoming of any political or religious leader,” he said, adding that the operation will continue until all unauthorised structures are removed.
