IHC bars CDA from demolishing houses in Ghauri Town Phase 7

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has restrained the Capital Development Authority (CDA) from taking action against houses in Ghauri Town Phase 7, Islamabad, by issuing a stay order on demolition notices served to residents of the area.

Justice Muhammad Azam Khan passed the written order while hearing a petition filed by Advocate Mohammad Asif Gujar. The court also issued notices to the CDA and other respondents, directing them to submit their replies in the matter.

Demolition notice challenged

According to the petition, the CDA had issued a demolition notice on February 24, which was subsequently challenged before the court. The petitioner argued that the notices were served during the holy month of Ramazan, causing severe mental distress and anguish to approximately 20,000 residents of Ghauri Town Phase 7.

While granting interim relief, the court restrained the CDA from taking any adverse action against the petitioner until further proceedings in the case are conducted.

Regularisation sought in light of Bani Gala verdict

The petition further requested the regularisation of Ghauri Town Phase 7 in light of the verdict in the Bani Gala case. The reference to the Bani Gala case is significant as it pertains to a previous judicial ruling on the status of settlements in the federal capital.

The stay order provides temporary relief to the residents of Ghauri Town Phase 7, who had been facing the prospect of having their homes demolished following the CDA's notice. The matter is expected to be taken up again during the next hearing, when the CDA and other respondents are required to present their positions before the court.

The development comes amid ongoing concerns over the status of various housing schemes and settlements in Islamabad, where the CDA has periodically moved to take action against structures it deems unauthorised. The court's intervention in this instance has put a temporary halt to any such action in Ghauri Town Phase 7, pending a detailed hearing of the case.