ISLAMABAD: Political parties, civil society groups and residents have united to demand an immediate halt to demolition operations by the Capital Development Authority, calling for protection of the constitutional right to housing for vulnerable communities.

The demand was raised at the Haq i Rehaish conference organised by the Awami Workers Party at the National Press Club, where representatives from multiple katchi abadis gathered to highlight the growing crisis of forced evictions across Islamabad.

Speakers urged authorities to comply with a 2015 Supreme Court stay order that restricts summary evictions and calls for inclusive urban planning. They accused the CDA of repeatedly violating court directives while prioritising infrastructure projects over human rights.

Residents shared accounts of recent demolitions, including those from Muslim Colony Bari Imam, where thousands were displaced in late 2025. Affected families said they were left without shelter or compensation, forcing many into severe financial hardship.

Communities currently under threat, including Rimsha Colony in H nine and Allama Iqbal Colony in G seven, warned that eviction notices and heavy machinery positioned nearby have created fear and uncertainty among residents.

Participants called on the judiciary to intervene and ensure enforcement of housing rights, stressing that development must not come at the cost of vulnerable populations. They demanded a long term policy that balances urban expansion with social justice and protection for low income communities.