ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Islamabad High Court has reserved its verdict on a petition regarding the sealing of the PTI central secretariat in an operation carried out by the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
IHC’s Justice Saman Riffat Imtiaz presided over Monday’s hearing.
Lawyers Shoaib Shaheen and Umair Baloch represented PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan, while CDA lawyer Hafiz Arafat represented the Capital District Administration.
During the hearing, one of the PTI lawyers argued that although the CDA had notices in its records, there was no mention of the existing notice, implying fraudulent behavior. He pointed out that these notices were addressed not to the PTI but to Sartaj Ali.
Shoaib Shaheen stated that media reports indicated the land was being handed over to Sartaj Ali and during the operation it was stated that the PTI was not noticed.
The CDA lawyer informed the court that Sartaj Ali had purchased a commercial plot and changed its use, which affected the neighbouring area. The construction exceeded the allowed limits, he added.
At this juncture, the court questioned the CDA lawyer about the specific notice prohibiting the plot's alternate use. The court also inquired about the notice recipients in case the plot was rented out.
The court expressed concern over inconsistent notice distribution by the CDA, and suggested simultaneous notification to both landlords and tenants to expedite resolution.
After concluding arguments from both parties, the court reserved its decision.