CDA gives Fazlur Rehman's residence 15 days to remove alleged encroachments

Notice lists security guards' posts, generator and additional kitchen among the violations at JUI-F chief's residence

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Friday issued an encroachment notice at the residence of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, identifying illegal constructions and encroachments on its land and directing their removal within 15 days.

The notice came amid an escalating war of words between the government and Fazl, who had criticised what he described as the government's misuse of the Constitution. Federal ministers hit back a day earlier, accusing the JUI-F chief of overlooking his own role in forming and toppling governments.

Pasted at the residence, the notice directed the removal of security guards' cabins and a generator installed on CDA land. It also identified additional construction, including a kitchen built within the premises, as a violation of building regulations.

The authority gave 15 days for the identified violations to be removed, warning that failure to comply could result in the building being sealed or the unauthorised structures being demolished.

The notice was issued to Amanullah, son of Muhammad Younis, whom it identified as the building's owner. It also stated that the CDA had previously directed the removal of encroachments from the residence on March 18, 2019.

Meanwhile, Fazl's son and JUI-F leader Maulana Asjad Mahmood described the action as retaliatory, linking it to his father's political differences with the government.

In a statement, Mahmood said the retaliatory measures had begun after encroachments were pointed out to the Peshawar corps commander. "When no response was received to the issue being raised, opponents resorted to cheap tactics," he said.

He added that objections had also been raised over the removal of a security guard's cabin, the relocation of the generator and the construction of an additional kitchen.

Mahmood alleged that state institutions were being used to fulfil the personal desire for revenge of one individual. "Turning political differences into personal vendettas is a matter of concern," he said, urging the public and JUI-F workers to remain informed and vigilant about the situation.

Talal says CDA anti-encroachment drive under way for a year

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Friday described the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) action against alleged encroachments at JUI-F chief’s residence as routine, saying the campaign against illegal constructions had been under way for more than a year.

“Action against encroachments and illegal constructions in Islamabad has not started now, a few weeks ago or even a few months ago. It has been under way for more than a year, and the posh sectors of Islamabad were the first to be targeted,” he said while speaking to a private television channel.

He regretted that the matter was being used to secure political gains, saying the CDA had been taking action against encroachments and illegal constructions in Islamabad for over a year, beginning with the city's posh sectors.

Chaudhry said notices had been issued to all property owners whose premises had security cabins, generators or illegal constructions on green areas.

The minister added that the government had also removed unauthorised security deployments from public spaces, including green belts.

He said the authorities were taking action against illegal structures without discrimination, regardless of the individuals or organisations involved.

He cited the demolition of a wall belonging to a five-storey building constructed on government land on security grounds as another example of the campaign.

Chaudhry said the notice concerning Molana Fazl's residence had been issued in the name of Amanullah, adding that he did not know why the JUI-F chief was living there or what arrangement existed between the two.

“Defending illegal constructions is unbecoming of any political or religious leader,” he said, adding that the operation against encroachments would continue until all illegal structures were removed.

The latest exchange came amid growing tensions between the government and opposition leaders over the political and security situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Read More: Fazl calls for new Charter of Democracy

Following the imposition of governor’s rule in K-P, Fazl, who had been tasked by both the PTI and the government with mediating between the two sides, accused the government of backtracking on the negotiations, saying the PTI had agreed to the proposed terms while categorically opposing the imposition of governor's rule.

In return, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took a swipe at the JUI-F chief over his opposition to the imposition of governor's rule in the province, suggesting that the religious-political leader was unhappy at not being offered a role in the new provincial setup.

Other government figures, including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, also assailed his stance, with allegations that he was supporting people accused of backing terrorism.

Federal ministers once again took to task the JUI-F chief on October 18, accusing Fazl of politicising the security situation and opposing measures they said were intended to combat terrorism.

Also Read: PTI, TTAP affirm 'full support' for Fazl after govt hammering in Parliament

Responding to the allegations, Fazl described the remarks as character assassination and maintained that his criticism was directed at government policies rather than state institutions. He then called for parliament to hold an in-camera session to examine the country's counterterrorism strategy.

The tensions further escalated earlier this week when Fazl criticised Asif in the NA, questioning the government's role in discussions related to the Makkah defence pact in Tehran while the prime minister and defence minister remained in Pakistan.

A day later, Naqvi and Asif unleashed a barrage of criticism on the JUI-F chief for remarks about Asif's absence from talks in Tehran, saying no defence agreement was being negotiated there.