The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to take action against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and all those organisations, which are using residential units for commercial purpose.
Currently, the BBC, in clear violation of zoning law of the CDA, is housed in a residential unit in Islamabad’s sector F-7/3. Under zoning law, residential units cannot be used for commercial purpose. However, BBC and some other local and multinational companies are flouting the CDA’s by-laws.
The CDA has now decided to get the residential areas vacated from the BBC and others.
“We have been issuing warning notices to all those who are violating CDA laws. Once the process is completed, we will begin an operation against the BBC and other violators,” said CDA spokesman Naeem Rauf.
He said after completing the legal process, the BBC would be directed to shift its bureau office from sector F/7 to some other commercial location.
The presence of BBC office in a residential sector is a serious security risk to the inhabitant of the area and for its own employee as well.
A source in CDA told Pakistan Today that CDA high-ups had decided to give some relaxation to BBC during the ongoing month of Ramadan. However, “after Eid there will be no relaxation for anyone whether it is BBC or someone else”.
When contacted, BBC Islamabad Admin Officer Shiraz said they did not receive any warning letter from the CDA. Asked as to why, in clear violation of the CDA rules, the BBC had set up their office in a residential area, the admin officer declined to comment and asked Pakistan Today to contact a senior journalist of BBC for a detailed version, who could not be approached despite repeated attempts.