IHC orders removal of barricades in front of security agency's headquarters

Intelligence agency directed to clear public road within a week

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday directed the Ministry of Defence and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to remove barricades and open a public road in front of the headquarters of a security agency near Aabpara within a week.

Representatives from the defence ministry informed the court that the said road was blocked and included, along with green belt measuring about 40 kanals, in the premises of the ISI headquarters due to security reasons.



Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui observed in his written order that if required, the agency should take security measures within the limits of its premises and not on public space.

“Therefore, it is in the interest and prestige of the institution of the army that encroachment be removed immediately, but not later than one week i.e. 29-06-2018,” the court order read, adding it would harm the institution’s reputation if the court order is executed by the CDA enforcement staff.

The court also observed that there was no permission from the CDA for blocking the road and that this blockade was also against the city’s plan.