News Desk
Islamabad : The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has issued a 15-day notice for the removal of alleged encroachments and unauthorised constructions at the residence of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, amid escalating political tensions between the government and opposition.
According to the notice, several structures have been identified as encroachments on CDA land, including security guards’ cabins and a generator. The authority has also raised objections to an additional kitchen constructed within the residential premises, terming it a violation of building regulations.
The CDA has directed the removal of all identified violations within 15 days, warning that failure to comply could lead to the sealing of the building or demolition of the unauthorised structures.
The notice was issued in the name of Amanullah, son of Muhammad Younis, who has been identified as the owner of the property. It also referred to a previous CDA notice dated March 18, 2019, directing the removal of encroachments from the residence.
JUI-F alleges political victimisation
Reacting to the development, JUI-F leader and son of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Maulana Asjad Mahmood, termed the CDA action an act of political retaliation.
In a statement, Mahmood alleged that retaliatory measures began after the issue of encroachments was brought to the attention of the Peshawar corps commander.
He said objections had also been raised regarding the removal of the security guards’ cabin, relocation of the generator and construction of an additional kitchen.
Mahmood alleged that state institutions were being used to fulfil the personal desire for revenge of an individual, expressing concern over the transformation of political differences into personal vendettas.
He urged the public and JUI-F workers to remain informed and vigilant about the situation.
Talal Chaudhry defends CDA operation
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry described the action as part of the government’s ongoing anti-encroachment campaign in Islamabad, rejecting the impression that the operation had been initiated specifically against the JUI-F chief.
Speaking to a private television channel on Friday, Chaudhry said the campaign against illegal constructions and encroachments had been underway for more than a year, with Islamabad’s posh sectors among the first areas targeted.
He said notices had been issued to property owners whose premises contained unauthorised security cabins, generators or constructions on green areas.
The minister added that unauthorised security deployments from public spaces, including green belts, had also been removed as part of the campaign.
Referring to another enforcement action, he cited the demolition of a wall belonging to a five-storey building constructed on government land on security grounds.
Chaudhry clarified that the notice concerning Fazlur Rehman’s residence had been issued in the name of Amanullah, adding that he was unaware of the legal or personal arrangement under which the JUI-F chief was residing there.
“Defending illegal constructions is unbecoming of any political or religious leader,” he said, maintaining that the anti-encroachment operation would continue until all illegal structures were removed.
The development comes against the backdrop of growing tensions between the government and opposition parties, following Fazlur Rehman’s criticism of government policies and the subsequent exchange of statements between the JUI-F leadership and federal ministers.
