CDA targets JUI-F chief's properties

Demands removal of illegal structures in two weeks

ISLAMABAD:

Just days after JUIF-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman's scathing criticism of the PML-N led federal government, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) issued notices to the properties and seminaries associated with the JUI-F chief in Islamabad for alleged violation of CDA by-laws.

The CDA has pasted a notice at the Islamabad residence of Fazl. The authority has ordered the removal of a security guards' cabin and generator outside the house. The CDA has declared an additional kitchen built inside the residence a violation of building regulations.

The notice directs that the encroachments be removed within 15 days, warning that the CDA will take action itself if the order is not followed. The CDA has issued the notice to Amanullah, son of Muhammad Younis, identifying him as the owner of the building.

The CDA had also ordered the removal of encroachments from Fazl's residence on March 18, 2019. It has also issued a notice to Madrassa Akhtarul Uloom in Bilal Town, near Korang Nullah in Khanna Dak, for carrying out construction without an approved building plan.

It has directed the seminary to submit its building plans within 15 days, failing which the authority may seal the building. The CDA has also identified Illegal construction at Idara Maarif-e-Islamia, Sharia Rabbaniyah and Tafseerul Quran, located at House No 3, Street No 6, Sector F-8/3.

According to the CDA, unauthorised structures have been built in the mandatory setbacks and on the rooftop of the seminary. The authority has also objected to the use of the building as a seminary instead of for residential purposes.

It has directed the seminary's administration to remove all violations within 15 days.

The CDA has warned that failure to comply may result in the building being sealed, fines being imposed and the allotment being cancelled. The CDA has launched action against seminaries and other buildings in Islamabad to enforce building control regulations.

Meanwhile, after the notice was issued, Maulana Asjad Mahmood, the son of the JUI-F chief, claimed it was retaliation for pointing out alleged encroachments by a senior military official.

In a statement, Mahmood said that instead of responding to the alleged encroachments, the authorities resorted to what he described as underhanded tactics.

He expressed concern over the "transformation of political differences into personal revenge". He said such actions were a matter of serious concern and urged the nation and JUI-F workers to remain informed and vigilant about the evolving situation.

The JUI-F chief had faced ministers wrath, who accused him of exploiting religion for political and financial gains after his criticism of the government in the National Assembly a day earlier.

Fazl had accused the government of misusing the Constitution and resorting to unconstitutional measures in imposing governor's rule and an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Wednesday, Fazl noted the Centre's stance was that it took the measures according to the Constitution.

He alleged, "The government has misused the Constitution […] Here, just as the law is misused, the Constitution was misused."