Shibli Faraz slams ruling PML-N for CDA raid on PTI central office
Pakistan
Azam Nazeer Tarar says CDA acted in accordance with law
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Senator Shibli Faraz of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) came down hard on the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Friday, stating that a wave of fascism had swept the country due to the incumbent government’s undemocratic tactics.
During a Senate session chaired by Deputy Chairman Syedaal Khan Nasar, the PTI leader spoke about the recent arrests of party leaders and a raid on party’s central office in Islamabad. He denounced these actions and demanded immediate release of his colleagues.
Faraz said that despite the government's attempts to suppress the PTI politically, the party's popularity remains strong. He warned the ruling PML-N against using undemocratic tactics.
In response, Law Minister and Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) acted in accordance with the law.
Tarar said he obtained the facts from the Capital Development Authority (CDA), adding that a Senate standing committee had instructed the CDA to expedite action against encroachments in the capital.
The minister mentioned that the initial notice was served on the PTI in 2020 and subsequent reminders were sent, adding that the action of sealing the PTI office was initiated after a notice on May 10.
Opposition members interrupted the law minister's speech during the session.
Later, the session was indefinitely adjourned.
On Thursday night, the CDA sealed the central secretariat of PTI located in Islamabad's Sector G8/4.
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.
A portion of the PTI central secretariat was also demolished during the operation. CDA officials stated that illegal constructions of the PTI office 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 the building by-laws.
Sources said PTI workers clashed with police during the operation during which PTI's Islamabad President Aamir Mughal was arrested. He was later shifted to some undisclosed location.
As per the CDA statement, despite several warnings and notices, including ones issued on November 19, 2020, February 22, 2021, June 14, 2022, and September 4, 2023, the building bylaws violations were not addressed, while on May 10, 2024, the CDA issued orders to seal the plot.
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, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Secretary General Omar Ayub also reached the central secretariat soon after the CDA launched its operation.
Barrister Gohar while talking to the media strongly condemned the late night action, and announced that the party would move court against the sealing and demolition of the office.
PTI leader Omar Ayub said that the party would raise the issue of the CDA in the assembly. He said that the PTI condemned 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 in the dead of night without prior notice.
