Islamabad eviction notices were served by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to four major informal settlements today, signaling a massive anti-encroachment drive scheduled to commence immediately after Eid. The “red notices” demand that residents of H-9 Colony, Musharraf Colony, Miskeen Colony, and Allama Iqbal Colony vacate their premises immediately or face forced demolition.
The move targets nearly 50-year-old settlements, which currently house approximately 1,760 housing units. These neighborhoods are home to a diverse demographic of both Christian and Muslim families who now face potential homelessness.
Legal Backlash Follows Islamabad Eviction Notices
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and various minority rights advocates have condemned the CDA’s directive, labeling it a violation of fundamental human rights. Leadership from the PPP announced they will file an immediate challenge in the High Court to halt the operation.
Community representatives argue that the Islamabad eviction notices ignore established legal precedents. Key points of their opposition include:
- Supreme Court Precedent: Activists cite previous rulings from the Supreme Court of Pakistan stating that residents of informal settlements cannot be evicted without being provided alternative accommodation.
- Historical Context: Critics pointed to the previous demolition of settlements in the Bari Imam area, which left hundreds of families without shelter.
- Minority Rights: Leaders claim the sudden targeting of these specific colonies reflects a continued erosion of protections for marginalized communities.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has yet to comment on whether a resettlement plan is in place for the thousands of residents expected to be displaced by the upcoming anti-encroachment operation.