The Capital Development Authority has directed the removal of alleged encroachments, including security cabins and a generator, warning of possible sealing or demolition if the 15-day deadline is not met.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has issued a 15-day notice over alleged encroachments at the Islamabad residence of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, warning that unauthorised structures could be demolished or the property sealed if the directives are not followed.
The notice, pasted at the residence, directs the removal of security guards’ cabins and a generator allegedly installed on CDA land. The authority has also identified an additional kitchen constructed within the premises as a violation of building regulations.
According to the notice, failure to remove the alleged encroachments within 15 days could lead to further action, including sealing the property or demolishing the unauthorised structures.
The notice was addressed to Amanullah, son of Muhammad Younis, identified as the owner of the property. It also referred to an earlier directive issued on March 18, 2019, requiring the removal of encroachments from the residence.
JUI-F terms CDA action political retaliation
JUI-F leader and Fazlur Rehman’s son, Maulana Asjad Mahmood, condemned the CDA’s move, describing it as political retaliation linked to his father’s differences with the government.
In a statement, Mahmood said the action followed concerns raised regarding encroachments with the Peshawar corps commander. He alleged that the authorities had failed to respond to the issue and that political opponents had subsequently resorted to what he described as cheap tactics.
He said objections had also been raised over the removal of the security guard’s cabin, relocation of the generator and construction of an additional kitchen.
Mahmood further alleged that state institutions were being used to serve an individual’s personal interests. He warned against turning political disagreements into personal vendettas and urged JUI-F workers and the public to remain vigilant.
Political tensions intensify over governor’s rule
The CDA notice comes amid escalating tensions between the government and Fazlur Rehman, who has recently criticised the government’s constitutional and political policies. Federal ministers have responded with criticism of the JUI-F chief, accusing him of contradicting his own political record.
The confrontation has also intensified over the political and security situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Following the imposition of governor’s rule in the province, Fazl accused the government of reversing its position on negotiations with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He said PTI had accepted the proposed terms for dialogue but remained firmly opposed to governor’s rule.
Fazl had been tasked by both the government and PTI with facilitating negotiations between the two sides.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi criticised Fazl’s opposition to governor’s rule, suggesting that his position stemmed from disappointment over not being offered a role in the new provincial administration.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and other government figures also criticised Fazl’s stance, alleging that he was supporting individuals accused of backing terrorism.
Federal ministers renewed their criticism on October 18, accusing the JUI-F chief of politicising security matters and opposing measures they said were necessary to combat terrorism.
Fazl rejected the allegations, describing the remarks as character assassination. He maintained that his criticism was directed at government policies rather than state institutions and called for an in-camera parliamentary session to review the country’s counterterrorism strategy.
The confrontation escalated further earlier this week when Fazl criticised Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in the National Assembly over discussions concerning the Makkah defence pact in Tehran.
Naqvi and Asif responded a day later, criticising Fazl’s remarks and clarifying that no defence agreement was being negotiated in Tehran.
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