Pakistan’s FIA probes CDA operation in Bari Imam over compensation
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched an inquiry into the actions of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) during last year’s operation against illegal land encroachments in the Bari Imam area of Islamabad. Investigators are determining whether compensation matters had been settled before the operation was carried out, Dawn reports.
Request for documents
The FIA requested from the CDA a complete set of documents concerning land acquisition in Nurpur Shahan, in the Bari Imam area, as well as information on compensation decisions from the time the plots were acquired to the present. The inquiry is being conducted on the instructions of the minister for interior and narcotics control following a complaint by Tanvir Hussain, president of the Nurpur Shahan Community Development Organisation.
The complaint concerns allegations of the forced displacement of Nurpur Shahan residents and the provision of rehabilitation opportunities through the establishment of a model village. Residents of the area had previously stated that the CDA conducted the operation before all compensation cases had been concluded. They also demanded the establishment of a model village in line with the authority’s previous decisions.
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CDA’s position
A CDA representative who took part in the operation confirmed that the FIA had requested documents from the authority. According to him, the CDA will provide all necessary materials, while Bari Imam residents have the right to appeal to any authorities.
The official stated that all houses and settlements demolished during the operation were located outside the officially defined boundaries of the Nurpur Shahan model village. He claimed that all persons awarded compensation during the land acquisition had received it in full, while the occupation of the plots had been declared illegal by a decision of the CDA district commissioner that was not challenged.
Campaign along Islamabad Highway
Separately, the CDA reported a campaign against illegal and unauthorized construction along Islamabad Highway. According to the authority, action has already been taken against more than 50 construction sites: 34 on the Sohan–Iqbal Town section and 24 on the stretch from Korang Bridge to Korang Police Station and Gulberg Greens. Commercial buildings were sealed over violations of building regulations, non-conforming use, and the absence of required fire safety measures, the CDA said.
