CDA to begin demolition of dozen more Bari Imam villages

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA), assisted by the Islamabad administration, has completed demolition work in 14 village localities of the historic 300-year-old model village of Bari Imam and Noorpur Shahan under a special project, whereas authorities have now decided to start bulldozing operations in the remaining 12 villages of Bari Imam from next week, including Dori Bagh, Opera Shar and nearby settlements.

Despite resistance from residents, the villages of Malpur and Noori Bagh were also completely razed. Administrative and policing arrangements for the next phase have already been finalised.

In the areas where homes have recently been demolished, residents were seen clearing rubble and trying to recover household belongings. People were removing items including fans, air conditioners, refrigerators, beds, kitchen utensils, charpoys and sofas with the help of labourers. Doors, windows, iron gates and grills were also being taken out and sold at low rates.

A large number of contractors dealing in construction materials from Rawalpindi and Islamabad have meanwhile reached the affected localities. They were reported to be buying bricks, iron structures, windows, gates and damaged household goods at very low prices. Contractors and investors carrying cash were making deals with residents, while loaders and trucks had been arranged to move the salvaged material to Rawalpindi within hours. The buying and selling of recovered building material has intensified in the demolished settlements.

Residents raise concerns over status of landholders

According to local residents, four categories of people live in Bari Imam and adjoining areas. They said these include families claiming ownership for centuries, families that had received compensation awards but continued to stay, occupants who settled during the period of General Ziaul Haq and expanded during General Musharraf’s tenure, and people who purchased land, many of whom they said hold registered documents.

Residents alleged that the government was treating all of them as encroachers, including people who had been allotted plots by the CDA itself.

All villages and central markets in front of the Bari Imam shrine have already been demolished. The next phase is set to begin on the opposite side of the shrine and is expected to continue until April 30.

Further operations planned after April 30

After April 30, the operation is expected to move to five Christian informal settlements in Islamabad sectors, including I-9 and F-6. Red notices have already been issued to residents there, with a two-month deadline to vacate.

The latest phase forms part of a wider anti-encroachment drive in and around Bari Imam and Noorpur Shahan, where demolition activity has continued despite opposition from affected residents.