ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has temporarily suspended its operations against informal settlements in Islamabad following widespread criticism over the government’s handling of the ‘One Constitution’ skyscraper issue.
The controversy began when CDA officials, accompanied by police, reached Constitution Avenue to evacuate residents from the twin-tower building in compliance with a court order. However, the operation was abruptly halted after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif intervened, directing authorities to pause action and forming a committee to review the matter after hearing residents’ concerns.
This move triggered strong reactions on social media, where many questioned the apparent disparity in enforcement. Critics pointed out that while authorities had been actively targeting low-income settlements in areas like Bari Imam and Saidpur, they backed off when it came to a high-profile building linked to influential occupants.
Amid the backlash, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reportedly instructed officials that no further land-retrieval operations should proceed until the One Constitution case is resolved. Following these directions, the CDA halted all such activities across the capital.
Officials within the CDA acknowledged the growing criticism. Some admitted that enforcement appeared inconsistent, especially given reports that certain apartments in the contested building lacked complete ownership records. One official remarked that taking action against poorer communities while avoiding confrontation with affluent residents undermined the authority’s credibility.
Earlier, the prime minister had already directed the Islamabad administration and CDA to refrain from any action until a final decision is made. A committee has been tasked with submitting its findings within a week after consulting all affected parties.
