Clash Erupts During Anti-Encroachment Drive in Islamabad

An anti-encroachment operation by the Capital Development Authority turned violent in the Noorpur Shahan area near Bari Imam Shrine, leaving at least eight policemen and dozens of villagers injured after residents strongly resisted the drive.

Officials said CDA teams, accompanied by heavy machinery, reached Noori Bagh Mohallah to demolish illegal structures.

However, as the operation began, hundreds of villagers, including women and children, gathered and pelted officials with stones, forcing them to temporarily halt the action.

Police later reinforced the operation with anti-riot units, but clashes intensified as residents continued their resistance.

Law enforcement responded with teargas shelling and baton charges to disperse the crowd, while reports of gunfire emerged, with both sides blaming each other.

During the unrest, protesters set two CDA vehicles on fire, further escalating tensions. Authorities said some villagers were armed, while residents alleged that police used excessive force, including pellet firing.

The confrontation resulted in injuries to at least eight policemen and around 50 villagers, according to local accounts.

Despite resistance, authorities continued the demolition operation late into the evening, with large parts of Noori Bagh Mohallah razed.

Heavy police deployment remained in place, with around 1,000 personnel stationed in and around the area. Security forces also carried out search operations and detained over 50 residents.

Authorities blocked multiple entry points to the locality, restricting access from key routes, as tensions remained high following the operation.