The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has concluded hearings and reserved its judgment on a critical application filed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The civic body sought the vacation of a court-ordered stay that halted its controversial anti-encroachment operation in Muslim Colony, a densely populated area of the federal capital.
Court Criticizes CDA's High-Handed Approach
During the proceedings, Justice Inam Amin Minhas, who presided over the case, made strong observations against the authority's methods. The judge firmly stated that using bulldozers without issuing prior notices to residents was inappropriate. He emphasized that the CDA should have fulfilled all legal requirements and followed due process before initiating such a disruptive action.
Residents' Counsel Highlights Human Cost
The legal representative for the affected residents of Muslim Colony presented a harrowing account of the operation's consequences. He argued that despite an existing stay order from the court, the CDA continued its drive "ruthlessly," plunging thousands into extreme distress. The counsel made grave allegations, stating that the relentless pressure had driven some residents to attempt suicide, including a lady police constable.
He further outlined the scale of the community, informing the court that Muslim Colony is home to over 30,000 people living in more than 3,000 homes. This highlighted the massive humanitarian impact of the authority's actions.
Conflicting Arguments and a Reserved Judgment
In defense, the CDA's counsel, Kashif Malik, presented a different perspective. He submitted that a similar case had already been decided by a single-member bench of the court. Malik also alleged that certain facts had been concealed from the court in the current proceedings.
After carefully hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Minhas reserved the verdict on the CDA's application. The court's final decision will determine whether the stay order on the operation remains in force or is lifted, a ruling anxiously awaited by the thousands of residents of Muslim Colony.
