Talal Chaudhry defends CDA action at Fazl’s residence

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has defended the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) anti-encroachment campaign, saying it would continue without discrimination, regardless of the political status or influence of those involved.

Speaking on Saturday, Chaudhry questioned the legality of a security cabin and a generator installed outside the residence of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. He also criticised the defence of structures that authorities have identified as illegal.

His remarks came a day after the CDA issued an encroachment notice at Fazl’s residence, directing the removal of alleged illegal structures within 15 days. The notice identified a security cabin and other installations on government land.

Chaudhry said the notice was part of a routine operation that had been underway in Islamabad for more than 18 months. He maintained that authorities had issued similar notices across the capital, including in upscale residential sectors, without considering the influence or social standing of property owners.

Explaining the action, the minister questioned whether a security cabin measuring four by four feet and a generator placed on public land could legally remain outside a private residence. He said the authorities had not objected to any construction carried out with proper legal permission.

He rejected allegations that Fazlur Rehman was being specifically targeted, saying the campaign had affected wealthy residents, businessmen, government officials and diplomats. He added that security cabins, generators, boundary walls and other unauthorised structures had also been removed from green belts and public spaces.

The minister cited several operations conducted in Islamabad, including the removal of structures from government land near the Prime Minister’s House, the demolition of illegal petrol pumps and marriage halls along the Expressway, and the recovery of plots in Sector E-11 from illegal occupants.

He also referred to the removal of a police station built partly on a green belt and the clearance of a park previously occupied by the Frontier Constabulary (FC). According to Chaudhry, the authorities restored the park for public use after removing the offices.

He insisted that the operation would continue against everyone, whether an ordinary resident or a politically influential figure.

The minister also questioned alleged encroachments in Peshawar, asking why religious and political considerations should be used to defend illegal occupation of roads, parks and government land. He argued that public pathways should remain accessible and should not be blocked in the name of religion.

Chaudhry further criticised Fazlur Rehman’s recent remarks against government officials, saying personal attacks could not replace answers to questions about the legality of the disputed structures.

He also accused the JUI-F chief of making controversial remarks about martyrs and questioned the justification for occupying land associated with them.

The exchange has added to tensions between the government and Fazlur Rehman, who recently criticised the government’s handling of constitutional matters. Federal ministers have responded with criticism of the JUI-F chief, turning the dispute into an increasingly public political confrontation.