Imran’s Banigala residence illegal, claims minister

PTI refutes charges

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry claimed in categorical terms Thursday that PTI Chairman Imran Khan had neither got approval of the map of his Banigala residence nor paid fee to any agency.

Talking to The News here, the minister challenged Imran to produce, if he had any related record. He explained that the 300-kanal house was located in Green Pak Area, where such facility was not allowed, as this was also in violation of the environmental laws.

“I also say it with confidence none here in Islamabad owns such a massive residence, which Imran owns and under what law this all has been managed,” he wondered. He termed the construction at Imran’s land totally illegal.

The minister maintained that as per the ordinance promulgated in 1979, no construction was allowed within the radius of 2 kilometres (aerial distance) from Rawal Lake.

However, in total contrast to it, PTI’s Central Information Secretary and close aide of Imran, Naeemul Haq rejected outright the claim of the minister and asserted that Imran had all the documentary proof, when this correspondent contacted him and asked him whether PTI chief had got approved map of the building and other formalities were fulfilled.

“The secretary of the district council had given approval for the construction of the building. Entire record is with us and can be produced,” Haq claimed. He recalled during the hearing at the Supreme Court, Imran had made it clear that he had in possession all the related documents. He asserted there was nothing illegal about the land and the residence.

Talking to this correspondent, some locals at Banigala, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the residence built in 2003 was illegal, as it was without map duly approved by the authorities concerned.

They said that Banigala falls within the jurisdiction of the Islamabad Capital Territory and not the Capital Development Authority and noted that the road built on the orders of prime minister for which Imran had made request was also built by ICT. They added that Imran’s Banigala residence was as illegal as so many other motels and restaurants.

“Unfortunately, all these violations have been made by people so powerful that no agency has ever dared to take action against them. The Banigala operation, which claimed some lives is before us,” they noted.