CDA seeks more time to comply with SC orders

‘No commercial use of residential area’

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday summoned Inspector General of Police (IGP), Islamabad and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Motorways.

A two-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Iqbal Hameedur Rehman heard a case regarding blockades and encroachments made in the name of security in the residential areas of Islamabad.

The court directed IGP, Islamabad and IGP, Motorways to appear before it in person on the next date of hearing.

During the course of hearing, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on behalf of its chairman submitted a report stating that the civic body had asked the offices of IGP, Islamabad and IGP Motorways to move their offices out of residential areas. However, the office of IGP Islamabad sought one year for moving the offices out of the residential areas of the federal capital.

The civic body informed the court that all property owners violating the CDA by-laws had been issued notices and follow-up action was underway. It, however, sought more time for compliance with the court orders to remove commercial activities from residential houses.

It is pertinent to mentionhere that in compliance with the apex court orders, the CDA has been carrying out operations against the non-conforming use of residential buildings.In its report the civic body informed the court that offices and beauty parlours in 123 residential areas had been sealed while some 225 owners of business outlets had voluntarily abandoned their business activities.

Similarly, the report stated that the Foreign Office had been informed about the blockade made by the offices of foreign missions in residential areas of the capital for security reasons.The report further stated that the Islamabad High Court had issued stay orders in the cases filed by private schools in the capital.

Later on, the court summoned IGP Islamabad and IGP Motorways in person besides directing the Capital Development Authority to submit fresh report pertaining to the operation being carried out for removing commercial activities from residential houses and adjourned the hearing for 15 days.