CDA barred from altering graveyard

ISLAMABAD':

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday restrained the Capital Development Authority (CDA) from taking any further action affecting an ancestral graveyard in Sector D-12 and sought a written response from the civic body to a petition challenging the proposed removal of graves.

Justice Muhammad Azam Khan issued the written order while hearing a petition filed by Waqar Ahmed, who has sought protection for the Elahi Mosque graveyard in Mauza Sari Saral, Sector D-12.

The petitioner submitted that the graves of his ancestors and those of other local residents were located at the site and urged the court to prevent the CDA from carrying out development work, constructing roads or levelling the land.

According to the petition, revenue records, survey reports and Google Maps imagery also identify the site as a graveyard and funeral ground.

The petitioner's counsel requested the court to order the installation of fencing and demarcation of the burial ground to protect it from encroachment or removal. The counsel further sought directions to ensure that the graveyard was secured before any development work was undertaken in the area.

In its interim order, the court directed that the existing position of the graveyard be maintained and sought a written reply from the CDA.