IHC summons DG ISI, defence secretary in encroachment case

Officials of ICT, CDA, and SSP Traffic also to appear in court

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday summoned the director general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the defence secretary on July 4 in a case pertaining to encroachments in the federal capital's Aabpara locality.



The court also brought up the matter of road blockage by two private TV channels due to work being carried out at the premises. Director of Capital Development Authority (CDA) Syed Jawad Muzaffar said that the complaint regarding illegal construction was received earlier and demarcation was carried out, however, fresh demarcation is still required through the land survey department. If the complaint is still found valid, remedial steps to remove encroachment through CDA will be taken, Muzaffar added.

Officials of Islamabad Capital Territory, CDA, and senior superintendent of police (SSP) Traffic will also appear in court to make statements on steps taken to remove the encroachments.

Earlier on June 22, the IHC directed the Ministry of Defence and the CDA to remove barricades and open a public road in front of the agency's headquarters.

Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui had 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 had 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.