ISLAMABAD, Sep 06 (APP):Chief Officer of MCI (Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad) and Director DMA Dr. Anam Fatima has said that the authority would not demolish Katchi Abadis on its own, as the matter is sub judice and any decision regarding their removal or demolition would be subject to the orders of the court. Talking to Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), she said the CDA would strictly follow the law and judicial …
CDA to abide by court decision on Katchi Abadis: Chief Officer MCI
ISLAMABAD, Sep 06 (APP):Chief Officer of MCI (Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad) and Director DMA Dr. Anam Fatima has said that the authority would not demolish Katchi Abadis on its own, as the matter is sub judice and any decision regarding their removal or demolition would be subject to the orders of the court.
Talking to Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), she said the CDA would strictly follow the law and judicial directions while dealing with issues relating to informal settlements in the federal capital.
Director Directorate Municipal Administration (DMA) clarified that the CDA’s objective was not simply to evict residents of Katchi Abadis. Rather, the authority was examining the matter on the basis of official records, legal status, land ownership, field surveys and the circumstances of individual settlements.
Dr. Anam said the rights of deserving residents and those legally recognized under the relevant framework would be protected. At the same time, unauthorized constructions, encroachments and commercial activities established in violation of applicable rules would be dealt with according to law.
She said 10 Katchi Abadis were recognized under the existing CDA framework, while the status of other settlements would be determined after verification of official records, land ownership and completion of all legal requirements.
Chief Officer of MCI emphasized that each settlement would be assessed separately, as their legal status, infrastructure requirements and other circumstances could vary.
She said the issue could not be viewed merely as a housing matter, as it also involved environmental protection, sanitation, drainage, solid-waste management, public health, road access, fire safety and long-term urban planning.
Referring to the environmental and municipal challenges, Dr. Anam said the absence of proper sanitation, waste disposal and drainage facilities in some informal settlements was adversely affecting the environment and public services.
She specifically pointed out that garbage was being dumped into the drain in G-7, resulting in drainage and cleanliness problems and posing risks to public health. Blocked drains, she added, could cause stagnant water, unpleasant odours, disease risks and difficulties during the rainy season.
She also said some houses in G-7 had established commercial shops without authorization. Such activities, she added, would be examined in accordance with approved land-use regulations and relevant municipal laws.
Dr. Anam said recommendations regarding informal settlements had been prepared by the relevant authorities, covering their legal status, CDA jurisdiction, availability of official records and responsibilities of concerned government departments.
She stressed that any future course of action would be based on verified information rather than assumptions and would take into account court orders, legal provisions, environmental concerns, public interest and the rights of affected residents.
Director DMA also urged residents of informal settlements to cooperate with the authorities by avoiding dumping waste into drains, refraining from unauthorized construction and complying with municipal and environmental regulations.
She said a sustainable solution required cooperation among residents, local representatives and relevant government departments to improve sanitation, waste disposal, drainage and living conditions.
Dr. Anam reiterated that the CDA would abide by the court’s decision regarding Katchi Abadis and would not take unilateral action to demolish them.
She said the ultimate objective was to ensure a lawful, practical and sustainable approach that protected residents’ rights, safeguarded Islamabad’s environment and supported orderly urban development.
