CDA Postpones Major Anti-Encroachment Operation Due to Protest

An anti-encroachment operation by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in Mohallah Nur Bagh, Bari Imam, was postponed on Monday after strong resistance from local residents. A large number of people gathered at the site to protest against the operation, creating a tense situation in the area.

The protest was led by PML-N leader and former Mayor of Islamabad, Pir Adil Shah, who stood alongside residents opposing the CDA action. Due to the growing crowd and sustained protest, enforcement teams were forced to withdraw from the area, and the operation was halted.

CDA enforcement staff had arrived in Mohallah Nur Bagh with heavy machinery to carry out the operation. Officials from the CDA and the district administration were present on the spot, while a heavy police contingent was also deployed to manage the situation.

Following the protest, negotiations were held between the demonstrators and authorities, led by the Superintendent of Police (SP) and the Assistant General Deputy Commissioner (AGDC). The talks were aimed at defusing tensions and addressing the concerns raised by local residents.

Speaking on the occasion, former mayor Pir Adil Shah stated that the CDA had already declared the locality a model village. He said that in 2025, a court decision was issued in favour of the local population, and the Islamabad High Court had directed the CDA to develop the area as a model village within one year.

He further claimed that the court had ordered the formation of a nine-member committee for this purpose and added that residents had filed a contempt of court petition against the CDA, alleging that the authority was forcefully entering homes and harassing residents.