In recent days, the CDA has been criticized for its anti-poor bias and its failure to act against the more powerful and rich - the authority has never taken such decisive action against the encroachments in commercial centers, illegal housing societies and non confirming use of the buildings and farm houses.

While it went in guns blazing against the poor people in mud houses, it has failed to remove encroachments from commercial centers and to stop non confirming use of the buildings as businesses running in residential buildings. Private houses, restaurants and embassies have encroached upon roads and footpaths all over the city.

CDA officials admit that they are unable to take action against the rich and powerful.

“Farm Houses in Chak Shahzad were allotted to meet the fruits and vegetable requirements of the federal capital but these were converted into residences; very influential personalities including politicians, generals, lawyers, businessmen and bureaucrats live there,” a CDA official told Dawn. Of course, the most famous resident of all is former president, General Pervez Musharraf.

“Action could not be taken against the owners of the farm houses despite Supreme Court orders. All over the city there are business centers in the residential areas but CDA turns a blind eye. Restaurants and guesthouses running in residential buildings use use electricity, gas, water commercially but pay domestic rates,” he said.

“The CDA has declared over 100 housing societies illegal but not a single one has been shut down,” he added.

CDA spokesperson Ramzan Sajid told Dawn that the operation would continue untill the removal of the last ‘illegal’ structure.

“I-11 is a planned sector of the CDA where plots were allotted in 1985 to low income families. There are 800 plots in the sector and the katchi basti is located on 480 plots. Alternate plots cannot be provided to the katchi basti residents as they are not land owners,” he claimed.

While replying to a question he claimed that action is taken against the non confirming use of farm houses and residential buildings.

“Notices are issued to encroachers, then they are fined, and in the third phase, the allotment of the encroacher is cancelled and the building demolished. However, many people get stay orders from the courts so action is delayed,” he said.

“As far as embassies and their encroachments are concerned, CDA contacts them through the foreign office because the state’s diplomatic relations are concerned.” he added.

But the spokesman’s words aside, there is little activity to witness on the ground. Embassies, restaurants and other violations by the rich are visible all over the city – for anyone but CDA to see.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2015

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