CDA demolishes 200 houses after clash in Islamabad

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) demolished nearly 200 houses in Islamabad’s Noorpur Shahan area on Wednesday, a day after violent clashes between residents and authorities led to a police case under serious criminal charges.

According to officials, the demolition was carried out under heavy police deployment as part of an anti-encroachment drive. The operation, which was halted a day earlier due to resistance, resumed with the use of heavy machinery and faced no opposition on its second day.

Meanwhile, police registered a case against around 350 individuals, both named and unidentified, under multiple charges including provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act, attempted murder, rioting, dacoity, and assault on public servants.

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The First Information Report (FIR) stated that residents allegedly attacked CDA staff and police personnel using petrol bombs, firearms, and other weapons. Authorities claimed that 200 to 250 armed individuals opened fire and set two CDA vehicles ablaze. Additional groups reportedly joined from nearby areas, intensifying the confrontation.

Police responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd, but the situation escalated further. At least eight police personnel were injured, including four who sustained gunshot wounds. Officials also alleged that anti-riot equipment and a police wireless set were snatched during the clash.

However, residents presented a contrasting account, alleging that the CDA forcibly demolished homes without proper rehabilitation. They claimed that belongings were thrown out before the demolition and accused the authority of failing to implement a long-promised model village scheme.

Residents further stated that land in the area had been acquired decades ago with assurances of resettlement, which they say remain unfulfilled. CDA officials rejected these claims, maintaining that the land acquisition was lawful and that court rulings had consistently supported the authority’s position.