Islamabad - The Capital Development Authority on Wednesday conducted a massive anti-encroachment operation in Sector F-5 and the Red Zone to clear the pathways and roads.

Member (Estate) CDA Khushal Khan personally supervised the operation. The teams of the Enforcement Directorate of CDA retrieved a plot measuring around 4 acres adjacent to the Marriott Hotel before removing security pickets and barriers placed in front of the five-star hotel in the name of security.

The plot which has been earmarked also for a five-star hotel was in possession of the Marriott’s management. The teams removed security pickets and roadblocks to clear pathways and the road.

The staff of Enforcement, BCS, Urban Planning and other formations participated in the operation. The operation was conducted in the presence of Assistant Commissioner, ICT while heavy contingent of Islamabad police was also deployed to deal with any untoward situation. During the operation, 12 rooms constructed for the guards of the hotels, 4 sheds, several posts were demolished. Two security cabins, two huge sized temporary sheds and two permanent sheds constructed illegally on the entrance of the hotel were also razed with the help of heavy machinery in addition to the removal of concrete barriers placed illegally on the road.

Mayor Islamabad and Chairman CDA has said that directions have been issued to further gear up the anti-encroachment campaign in the capital city. The scope of this campaign has been expanded all over the city, he added. He said that a comprehensive and consolidated strategy has been devised to remove encroachments.

Later, Vice President Marriott Islamabad, Haseeb Gardezi told media that the CDA operation was illegal as they hold permission from the Inspector General Police, CDA and court orders for the security barriers. He said that the management of the hotel would file contempt of court case against CDA for their ‘illegal’ action. He said that Islamabad High Court had directed CDA not to remove security barriers due to high-profile VVIP movement over there. “The ambassador of Belgium called me to express concern over the operation, however, I assured him that the scheduled function in connection with their National Day will be held as per plan,” he added.

Furthermore, CDA sealed 8 high-rise buildings in sector E-11. The high-rise buildings were constructed and operating without obtaining NOC from the CDA. Nine buildings were sealed during the first day of CDA Operation against illegal building in Islamabad. The operation will continue in the coming days. The operation was conducted by Building Control Sector of CDA.

Director Building Control –II lead the operation which was participated by the officers and officials of Enforcement, BCS and other formations. On this occasion, senior special magistrate of CDA, representatives of ICT and contingent of Islamabad police was also present. On the first day of operation, teams of BCS-II Directorate, headed by Director BCS-II sealed 9 buildings of Capital Residential and each building comprised upon 16 to 18 storeys. Similarly, 11 storied each two towers of Makkah Towers, Ahad Residence, eight storeys of Fenarina Residence, Madina Tower, Margalla Residentia, Umair Residencia and Shaheen Appartments were sealed. Similarly, work being carried out for the extension of Khuda Dad Heights was stopped and premises were sealed.

tahir niaz