Bari Imam uproar as homes near shrine face bulldozers

ISLAMABAD: Clashes broke out in Islamabad after an anti-encroachment operation near Bari Imam, one of the capital’s best-known Sufi shrine sites, turned violent in Noorpur Shahan.

The confrontation began when Capital Development Authority teams moved into Noori Bagh Mohallah to demolish structures the authorities described as illegal. Residents, many of whom say their families have lived in the area for years, gathered to stop the operation as tensions quickly spiralled.

At least eight officials and dozens of villagers were injured during the clashes, while two government vehicles were set on fire. Witnesses said large numbers of residents, including women and children, came out as demolition teams started pulling down homes and other structures.

Officials briefly retreated after coming under stone-pelting, but the operation resumed later with fresh police reinforcements, including anti-riot personnel. As the standoff deepened, police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse crowds, while reports of firing added to the panic.

Residents said the operation triggered anger and fear in a community that has lived around the Bari Imam shrine area for decades, with many accusing authorities of suddenly branding long-settled homes as encroachments. Some villagers, speaking anonymously, alleged that pellet fire was also used and claimed that around 50 residents were injured, though officials have not confirmed that account.

Authorities said protesters turned aggressive during the operation, attacking officials, throwing stones, and torching two vehicles. Police then launched heavy tear gas shelling as many families, particularly women and children, retreated indoors.

By late evening, the demolition drive was still under way, with reports that much of Noori Bagh Mohallah had been razed. The action is part of a wider operation in Noorpur Shahan, where thousands of structures have been cleared in recent months.

Police also carried out searches in nearby areas and detained dozens of people. Security was tightened across the locality, with around 1,000 personnel deployed and key access points sealed. Roads from Margalla Road, Third Avenue, and the Diplomatic Enclave were closed, while limited access from Shahdara remained open.

The situation remained tense through the night as authorities pressed ahead with the operation and residents braced for further demolitions near the Bari Imam shrine.