ISLAMABAD: A planned anti encroachment operation by the Capital Development Authority in Allama Iqbal Colony G Seven was abruptly halted after residents staged a strong protest, creating a tense standoff and forcing officials to withdraw.
The enforcement team had initiated action against illegal structures when slum dwellers resisted the move, raising slogans and blocking access routes. The situation escalated quickly, prompting authorities to suspend the operation after sealing only two structures.
Residents claimed the demolition drive violated a Supreme Court order that protects informal settlements from forced eviction. Protesters argued that the authorities failed to provide alternative arrangements, turning the operation into a humanitarian concern rather than a routine enforcement action.
On the other hand, CDA officials maintained that the settlement is built on encroached land, including areas designated for a public park. Authorities reiterated that reclaiming public land remains a priority under ongoing urban regulation efforts in the capital.
The issue has drawn attention from rights groups and political organisations, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the Awami Workers Party. These groups have called for an immediate halt to demolition drives and urged the government to uphold the constitutional right to housing.
Civil society representatives and community leaders have demanded judicial intervention to protect vulnerable populations. With tensions rising and more settlements reportedly under threat, the situation highlights the growing conflict between urban development policies and housing rights in Islamabad.
