CDA seals PTI's central secretariat in Islamabad
Pakistan
A portion of the PTI central secretariat was also demolished during the operation
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Thursday sealed the central secretariat of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) located at Sector G8/4 in Islamabad on Thursday night, Dunya News reported.
According to details, the CDA anti-encroachment team in collaboration with the district administration launched the operation to remove the encroachments and unauthorised constructions at the PTI’s central secretariat.
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A portion of the PTI central secretariat was also demolished during the operation. The CDA officials stated that the illegal constructions of PTI offices were demolished.
The plot on which the PTI office is established is under scrutiny, as it is allotted to an individual named Sartaj Ali. However, significant encroachments have been made by occupying adjacent land, including the construction of an additional floor in violation of building by-laws.
According to sources, PTI workers clashed with police during the operation during which PTI Islamabad president Aamir Mughal was arrested. He was later shifted to some undisclosed location.
As per the CDA officials statement, a large-scale encroachment was established by occupying land adjacent to the plot.
Despite several warnings and notices, including ones issued on November 19, 2020, February 22, 2021, June 14, 2022, and September 4, 2023, the violations were not addressed, while on May 10, 2024, the CDA issued orders to seal the plot, the CDA spokesperson added.
As the operation was underway, the PTI leadership called upon party workers to immediately arrive at the secretariat. The party claimed that the government had begun demolishing the office in an “illegal and unjust manner.”
On the other hand, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and secretary general Omar Ayub also reached the central secretariat soon after CDA launched operation.
Barrister Gohar while talking to the media strongly condemned the late-night action and announced that the party will go to court today against the sealing and demolition of the office.
Speaking on the occasion, Omar Ayub said that the party would raise the issue of the CDA in the assembly. He said that the PTI condemns the CDA action in the strongest terms. He drew parallels to the operation to the onslaught of Israel on Gaza, where thousands have lost their lives and hunger is being used as a weapon. Omar Ayub said the city administration launched the operation at night without prior notice.
