IHC stays CDA action against Chak Shahzad farmhouses

[Salman]

Islamabad High Court (IHC) has stayed the demolition of encroachments and initiation of any action by Capital Development Authority (CDA) against Chak Shahzad farmhouses. The court has issued notices to CDA chairman, CDA director estate management, CDA secretary, CDA Authority Board and Cabinet Division secretary and sought replies from them within two weeks. A single bench of CDA comprising Justice Athar Minullah took up for hearing Munaza Malik versus CDA case Friday. The counsels for the petitioner told the court that the CDA administration is taking illegal action against farmhouses located in Chak Shahzad. CDA had given permission to the owners to seek ownership of the farmhouses measuring 10,000 square feet and had given ownership rights on 33 years lease. CDA administration has now issued SRO wherein it has been said that the action will be taken against the people possessing areas beyond 4,850 square feet. They said that CDA had issued permits to owners of farmhouses but CDA management wants to demolish these farmhouses by issuing illegal SRO. The court while issuing notices to parties concerned has adjourned hearing of the case indefinitely.