Eviction operation against cops: IHC summons CDA chairman on 27th

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) summoned Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) to appear in person on October 27, expressing strong displeasure over an eviction operation against police officers residing in G-6 flats that was allegedly carried out in defiance of a stay order.

A single bench of Justice Muhammad Azam Khan on Friday heard a writ petition of police employees.

He remarked that the court had stopped the eviction of the flats; despite this, why are court orders being ignored? Why are we sitting here? He further noted that even if the court’s order had been flawed, the authorities were obligated to explain how. He further said, “Even if the court’s order were wrong, you should have told us how it was wrong.”

The petitioner’s counsel contended that a stay order was in force when the CDA, accompanied by police, proceeded with the operation. CDA’s counsel, Shehryar Tariq, argued that no evidence of violation had been presented and that the petition contained no such request, and that no separate contempt application had been filed.

At that Justice Azam Khan retorted: “These people are out of their homes—how are they supposed to file a petition?” The court then directed the CDA chairman to appear personally on Tuesday, October 27, and indicated that the writ petition may be converted into a contempt of court case. The hearing was subsequently adjourned.

Separately, the same IHC bench also expressed astonishment over an objection raised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that a judicial order did not bear a judge’s seal, summoning Foreign Office officials to appear immediately and directing them to resolve the matter without further delay.

Justice Azam, hearing the case, questioned the basis of the objection. If a judge’s seal exist, the court asked the Foreign Office officials present. He added that the court’s copy branch issues the order—that is the seal on it. The judge remarked that a copy bearing the seal is precisely what is termed a certified copy, and urged the officials to apply basic reasoning. “Use some common sense at times,” he observed.

Justice Azam went on to note that the judiciary and the executive alike exist for the convenience of the public. “You and we are here for the convenience of people—create ease for people,” he said. “The petitioner must have hired a lawyer earlier and paid him a heavy fee; people are already distressed—do not distress them further,” maintained the judge.

The court directed the Foreign Office officials to resolve the matter immediately and to inform the court of the outcome. It also instructed the petitioner’s counsel to explain judicial procedure to the relevant authorities. The hearing was subsequently adjourned for one week.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026