ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Sunday carried out an anti-encroachment operation along the Murree Road right-of-way in Malpur and demolished several illegal structures there.

The CDA acquired Malpur and its nearby areas in the 60s, but has yet to take possession of the land from local landowners.

Backed by the local administration and police, the CDA demolished 11 illegal shops as part of the operation, as well as one restaurant and a four boundary walls built on several kanals of CDA land.

CDA spokesperson Syed Safdar Ali said the authority had issued notices to the encroachers to stop commercial activities and remove their encroachments from state land within seven days.

When they did not do so, the CDA carried out an operation.

Mr Ali said some people tried to stop the operation but were handled by the police and administration.

One person was arrested for obstructing official business and firing into the air to cause panic.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2019