Two vehicles torched as CDA anti-encroachment drive sparks protest in capital

Protesters set two government vehicles on fire on Tuesday during an anti-encroachment operation conducted by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in Islamabad. The operation, carried out in the Noor Pur Shahan area near Bari Imam, led to a confrontation between CDA officials and local residents.

Tensions escalated when protests against the operation intensified, with demonstrators setting two CDA vehicles ablaze. The situation reportedly spiralled out of control, resulting in damage to public property.

Eyewitnesses said stone-pelting occurred during the unrest, while law enforcement personnel used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Additional police contingents were later called in after the situation worsened.

In response to the incident, CDA spokesperson Shahid Kayani told The Express Tribune that the authority was conducting an operation against illegal constructions following the withdrawal of a stay order by the court, which had ruled in favour of the CDA.

He said the operation is being carried out in accordance with the law. “During the operation, the CDA faced resistance from occupants,” the spokesperson added.

The Islamabad High Court last week suspended the earlier directions issued by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, who had ordered the establishment and protection of model villages and barred the CDA from taking coercive action against residents.

Following the suspension, the civic authority has now been permitted to continue operations, including in areas that were previously protected under those judicial orders.

In December 2025, leaders of the Awami Workers Party, All-Pakistan Katchi Abadi Alliance, and Anjuman Rehribaan appealed to the SC and newly created Federal Constitutional Court to uphold the stay order given by the SC in 2015 in response to a constitutional petition filed by the AWP that put a moratorium on summary evictions.