THE recent spate of demolishing illegal structures, especially in Karachi, seems to be a one-sided affair. Encroachments from and around the Empress Market have been removed. All houses and squatter settlements built illegally on the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) tracks have been razed, along with those built alongside the Orangi and Gujjar nullahs. Illegally built wedding halls have also been shut down or demolished.

However, one wonders why no action has been taken against massive encroachments in Islamabad. Whatever has been done in this regard has been confined to roadside vendors and their ilk. What about the major players in business?

The orders of the Supreme Court to the effect that amenity plots cannot be awarded for commercial, residential purposes are equally applicable across the country. Why is no one saying anything about encroachments in the federal capital? Is there a separate law governing Islamabad?

A few months ago, tall promises were made about demolishing the illegally built plaza in Sector E-11, which had led to flash floods in the area claiming at least two lives and damaging private property. However, no action has yet been taken in this regard.

Moreover, no one seems to care about a multi-storey shopping mall in the upscale Sector F-7 neighbourhood, built on land meant for a dispensary. If the authorities concerned have some reservations, or are ‘afraid’ of taking action against the said building, the least they can do is to convert the building into a hospital. Though a relatively posh sector of the capital city, F-7 still lacks healthcare facilities.

To a neutral observer, the authorities appear to have a step-motherly attitude towards Karachi. While citizens of Karachi face the full wrath of the law, not a leaf flutters from the consequence of similar building violations in Islamabad.

One wonders whether this approach is wise and if it would further undermine the people’s trust in the judicial and governance systems of the country.

If the authorities want to assert the writ of the law, they must ensure its fair application. Otherwise, any such exercise will be seen as unfair.

Name withheld on request
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2021