Anti-encroachment drive: Demolition of buildings in Harno triggers controversy

ABBOTTABAD: A controversy has emerged after demolition of several buildings in Harno, including an amusement park owned by an overseas Pakistani businessman, Abid Ali. The demolition drive was carried out by the district administration despite a court order to maintain the status quo.

The anti-encroachment operation was launched two days prior to the demolition, following directives from the chief secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Two double-story hotels were allegedly demolished in violation of an existing court injunction.

The court bailiff’s report confirms that the walls and first floor of the hotels were demolished, and extensive debris remains on the site.

Representatives from multiple government bodies, including the assistant commissioner, GIDA, TMA, and DSP, were present during the operation.

Earlier, additional district judge-III Abbottabad had issued orders concerning an ongoing case, directing multiple officials to appear and temporarily suspending two administrative notices. The court had ordered the officials, including deputy commissioner Abbottabad to appear before it on July 16, 2025: The suspensions are subject to the service of notice on the defendants involved and are also subject to any contrary orders that may be issued by superior courts during this period.

The presence of multiple government agency representatives during an operation that allegedly violated a court injunction raises significant legal and procedural questions- The bailiffs report serves as formal documentation of the incident and the claimed breach of the court order. The demolition has triggered concerns about the rule of law and the administration’s commitment to upholding court orders.

Later hundreds of affected have protested against the unlawful steps taken by the district administration. Political and social activist Naseer Khan Jadoon, who raised voice against the action has been arrested by police which also created panic amongst the masses.

Abid Ali, an overseas Pakistani, who was also one of the affectees, told the media that he had got building plan approval from GDA beside getting NOC from Irrigation Department. He further said that they have got status quo but the assistant commissioner has refused to obey the court directives and illegally demolished the building.