Islamabad's Capital Development Authority plans to challenge court order over Bari Imam House

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) in Islamabad has announced it will contest a recent court order instructing them to open up the Bari Imam House. On November 3, the Islamabad High Court directed the CDA and other parties involved to immediately open the premises and suspended any further demolitions until a future hearing. This order was issued by Mohammad Akmal, the caretaker of the house, through Advocate Syed Shajjar Abbas Hamdani in a petition.

The CDA argues that the structure is situated on government land and forms part of its anti-encroachment drive. While the agency had previously cleared surrounding encroachments, the main building remained untouched. According to the CDA, the house includes a mosque and a Langarkhana, located opposite the shrine of Hazrat Bari Imam Sarkar in Nurpur Shahan. The petitioner claims that the land is an exempted shrine property that has never been acquired, with no award or compensation given.

The CDA asserts that officials from the additional deputy commissioner (revenue) and other CDA employees sealed the premises without prior notice or chance to be heard, and installed an Auqaf Department board at the gate. They claim this action violated several constitutional articles, including Articles 4, 10A, 20, 23, 24, and 25.

The CDA maintains that their operation was part of a campaign to reclaim government land and eliminate unauthorized structures, and that further steps will be taken in line with the established rules.

Last week, the court issued a restraining order, requesting the respondents to submit their reports and detailed comments within two weeks.