ISLAMABAD: The city managers on Friday decided that a massive operation will be launched to get state land vacated and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and police will set up joint pickets in various areas to protect the government land.

At a meeting chaired by Chief Commissioner Amer Ali Ahmed and attended by Inspector General of Police Qazi Jamilur Rehman, Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat, CDA Member Estate Naveed Ilahi and others, it was decided that the ongoing anti-encroachment drive will be converted into a massive operation, particularly in Zone III and along Islamabad Expressway. Soon after the meeting, the first massive operation was conducted in Malpur and the second along the expressway to get the civic agency’s land vacated from land grabbers.

“The decision to remove encroachments from Islamabad Highway, Margala Hills and green areas was taken during the meeting. Besides, a committee was also formed to resolve pending cases regarding revenue.

“The committee will comprise officers of police and revenue departments. Strict action would be taken against government officials found involved in encroachments and illegal occupation,” said a press release issued by the CDA.

It said special check points of police and CDA will also be set up to protect land allocated for forests.The chief commissioner, who is also the CDA chairman, told the meeting that the process of actions against encroachments will continue without any break. Meanwhile, the CDA also removed dozens of encroachments at Park Road, Bari Imam, C-15 and some other areas.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2021