Bari Imam's Noorpur Shahan Bazaar razed

In a sweeping operation carried out on Friday, authorities bulldozed a one-kilometre-long historic central market in the 350-year-old settlement of Bari Imam Noorpur Shahan in Islamabad.

The demolished main bazaar housed grocery stores, medical outlets, mobile shops, general stores, hotels, banks and businesses linked to the Bari Imam shrine, including vendors selling ceremonial sheets, rings, flowers and offerings. Shops preparing traditional meals, yoghurt, rice, and large cooking cauldrons were also razed.

With the clearance, all types of commercial activity across the Bari Imam area have effectively been wiped out, creating severe difficulties for pilgrims visiting the shrine.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) announced that 1,000 acres of land have so far been reclaimed. During the month-long operation, 17,640 houses across 13 neighbourhoods have been demolished. Eight areas remain, with a fresh phase of the operation scheduled to begin Monday, starting from Dori Bagh and Shah Madan.

The large-scale demolition has drawn contractors dealing in old building materials from across the twin cities.

Equipped with loaders and labour, they are purchasing materials from demolished homes at fixed rates—Rs200,000 to Rs250,000 for single-storey houses, Rs400,000 for double-storey structures, and up to Rs500,000 for triple-storey buildings.

Residents, left with little choice, are selling their property at these rates. Livestock, including goats, cows, buffaloes, and bulls, are also reportedly being bought at low prices.

Contractors are allegedly paying officials to partially demolish structurally sound houses—removing only outer walls—before dismantling the rest at their own pace and transporting materials away.

The bulldozed neighbourhoods present a war-like scene, with valuables buried under debris. Scrap collectors have been seen extracting iron, wood, and even children's toys from the rubble, while reports of looting have emerged.

Authorities plan to complete the operation in the remaining eight areas before Eidul Azha. Eventually, an additional 10 to 15 kanal area around the shrine will also be cleared and taken into state control.

With flower and ceremonial sheet shops gone, vendors have temporarily been allowed to sell items on roadsides until Eidul Azha.