CDA asked to explain Blue Area charges

Petitioners question legality and transparency of the charges

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued notices to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and sought its response in a case challenging the collection of entry fees in the New Blue Area.

The case was heard by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir on a petition filed by Advocate Tayyab. Petitioners' counsels, including Hazrat Younas, appeared before the court, while MCI Chief Officer Anam Fatima and counsel Kashif Malik represented the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI).

During the hearing, Kashif Malik informed the court that the fee was being collected by the CDA, not the MCI. He said the MCI had been made a respondent in the petition, whereas the CDA had not been included as a party.

He further argued that parking fees were being collected under the CDA Board-approved Parking Regulations 2023 and that the area in question had been designated for parking under the New Blue Area plan. He maintained that the fees were being charged for parking on CDA-owned land, not on the service road.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir remarked that the court had not even granted a stay order and questioned why counsel appeared concerned. He observed that the CDA had authorised the MCI to collect the fee and directed the respondents to submit a written reply.

The court also ordered that the CDA be made a party to the case.

Petitioner's counsel Hazrat Younas requested the court to suspend the collection of fees, arguing that it was unclear where the money was being deposited and that a private contractor was issuing tickets.