Many houses in the posh sectors of the capital, including F-6, F-7, F-8, E-7 and others have been encroached upon the pavements, footpaths and adjoining areas by t-blocks, sandbags and concrete barriers. All such activities fall under ‘illegal encroachment’, ‘denying and impeding of right-of-way’ and ‘improper use of land’, but the otherwise prompt Capital Development Authority (CDA) has failed to take action because those breaking the law are wealthy and well-connected.
Many of these houses are occupied by embassies, offices of political parties, elite schools and residences of prominent personalities. The embassies have been advised time and again to move inside the diplomatic enclave due to the volatile law-and-order situation and security threats, but despite such warnings, some half a dozen embassies are still present in the sector F-6 alone. The offices of political parties are also a huge culprit when it comes to encroaching on the pavements and putting up check-posts. The elite schools of the capital still keep on conducting business as usual in the houses while blocking the pavements with barriers.
In recent months, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched many operations to rid Islamabad of illegal encroachments. Many press releases are being issued by the civic authority highlighting the operation taken by the authorities in different localities of the capital. CDA has launched its campaign promising the initiation of an across-the-board action against those who encroach upon the public land, as well as those who deny the amenities provided by the state to everyone. So far, the anti-encroachment drive has only focused on the downtrodden segments of Islamabad.
“We have warned these establishments to clear the pavements of barriers and sandbags, but they pay no heed. When we are about to take action, the high-ups stop us. Many of them cite security threats as they reason why they’ve taken these measures to ensure their safety and security. Ours hands are tied in this regard,” confided an officer of the CDA on condition of anonymity.
The much-touted, much-publicised encroachment operations are mostly focused on the poor vendors and stall owners in the backward and adjoining areas of the capital where majority of the lower-middle class resides. The anti-encroachment drive is yet to gain full momentum in the main markets of the capital and swish sectors of Islamabad.
“I have been jogging everyday around my sector F-6 for the past 15 years, but since the last couple of years I have to make diversions as the pavements have been encroached by many residents. The t-blocks, sand-bags, roadblocks and the barbed wires cover the foot paths. These houses look less like homes and more like forts. In the name of security these people encroach upon the public amenities, like pavements,” said Ali Raza, a resident of the sector F-6 while talking to Pakistan Today.
The spokesperson of CDA Ramzan Sajid has been repatriated to his original department and so far no replacement has been announced; therefore, no official comment was available.
