Land mafia takes over G-12, F-12

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

Encroachments creep through gaps in CDA, ICT admin liaison

ISLAMABAD: Operation against encroachments in Sectors G-12 and F-12, which was likely to be initiated this month, has been postponed since both the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration have locked horns over its modalities.

Source told Daily Times that the ICT administration has categorically refused to take part in any operation against land grabbers unless the CDA has exhausted all of its options.

In April, they said, it was decided between Chief Commissioner Tariq Peerzada and CDA Chairman Imtiaz Anyat Elahi that a joint operation would be launched against land grabbers in Sectors F-12 and G-12 but now this idea has been put in dustbin.

They said the ICT administration has quietly permitted land grabbers to occupy state land in these sectors, which were acquired by CDA many years ago. They said the issue of award of land in these sectors remains a bone of contention between the CDA and local population.

The land mafia has grabbed large tracts of land and erected huge buildings there and now it is daunting task for CDA to get the land vacated.

On the other hand, residents of the capital said that the CDA has turned a blind eye to mushrooming encroachments, which among other problems are multiplying security risks.

They said CDA officers are complicit in the thriving business of land grab as land mafia work in connivance with CDA Enforcement Directorate and Estate Directorate.

They said majority of land grabbers in Sectors F-12 and G-12 are not local but they belong to Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa in addition to Afghan refugees. They said when the award of the land is announced, the CDA will have to bear a huge financial burden as the rate of covered area is set at Rs 200 per foot.

CDA Director Enforcement Fiaz Muhammad said the operation against encroachments in Sectors G-12 and F-12 has been postponed for the time being due to inadequate security forces and stern resistance from land grabbers.

He said land mafia is so powerful that they could give a tough time to law enforcers. He cited various incidents in the past when the CDA officials came under attack by land grabbers.

He said it was decided between CDA and ICT administration to launch a joint operation against encroachments in these sectors but this decision so far has not been materialized.

He revealed illegal occupants are selling encroached land to other parties with a promise to protect them from law enforcement agencies if an operation is launched against them.

Deputy Commissioner Amer said it is the responsibility of CDA to launch operations against land grabbers as the civic body has its own security personal and magistrate.

He said the ICT administration will come into action only after a law and order situation is created during the operation.