ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Islamabad High Court ordered the Capital Development Authority on Tuesday to immediately de-seal the PTI central secretariat in Islamabad.
The order came as IHC’s Justice Saman Riffat Imtiaz announced the verdict, which was reserved on Monday, on a petition regarding the sealing of the PTI central secretariat in an operation carried out by the CDA.
Lawyers Shoaib Shaheen and Umair Baloch represented the petitioner, PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan, while Advocate Hafiz Arafat represented the CDA.
During Monday’s 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 behaviour. 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 alternative 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.
The court reserved its verdict after the two parties concluded arguments.
Subsequently, the court handed down the judgement.