ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to finalise regulations for informal settlements in Islamabad.
A two-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, on Thursday heard petitions against the demolition of Katchi Abadis in the federal capital.
The CDA has launched a drive to demolish informal settlements across the federal capital, as well as historic villages like Saidpur, Malpur and Nurpur Shahan.
A day ago, human rights activists, political workers, lawyers, and ordinary citizens, in a meeting convened by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), appealed to judges of the superior courts to uphold the stay order issued by the Supreme Court in 2015 against the demolition of informal settlements.
The HRCP, All-Pakistan Alliance for Katchi Abadis, National Commission for Justice and Peace, Awami Workers Party, Aurat March Islamabad, and others noted that the CDA’s brazen anti-poor attitude reflected its failure to meet the shelter needs of the working poor.
During the proceedings, the Chief Justice inquired from the Additional Attorney General (AAG), “Why have the regulations not been finalised yet?”
AAG Aamir Rehman responded that the delay was caused by the transfer of the CDA chairman. He, however, informed that the draft was ready and would be approved in the next board meeting.
Advocate Faisal Siddiqui, representing the petitioners, argued that no one can be evicted overnight. “This is Islamabad, not Gaza,” he added, and urged the court to consider the case “not on account of mercy but as a legitimate right.”
Justice Amin asked the AAG whether any reserved space existed for informal settlements in Islamabad? The AAG replied that “there are no slums in the CDA Master Plan”. “Slums established up to 1995 were recognised on humanitarian grounds,” he said. The AAG also said that the settlements “were under mafia control”.
Faisal argued that “despite the 2001 and 2016 policies, authorities are evicting people from their homes.” The Chief Justice remarked that if the policy exists, then what is the problem? Faisal stated that the issue is the implementation of the policy, which can be made possible through your order.” “No one can be evicted without being provided an alternative place,” he added.
CDA’s counsel Qasim Chohan apprised the bench that the “land allotted for informal settlements in Islamabad was being misused.” “Despite being given alternative accommodation, the residents did not vacate their previous homes,” he said, adding that the CDA was facing difficulties in clearing the settlements.
Faisal contended that around 400,000 people were currently living in informal settlements. He submitted that the CDA Master Plan also stated that 50 per cent of Islamabad’s population lived in such settlements.
The bench adjourned the hearing of the case for four weeks, providing the CDA with time to formulate rules.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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