ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Thursday informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that a children’s park situated in Sector E-11 has been restored and sought time to submit a comprehensive report.

IHC Justice Mohammad Asif was hearing a petition filed by a resident seeking to stop illegal construction on the park’s land.

Earlier on Feb 18, IHC had directed the authorities to restore the E-11 Children’s Park to its original condition, ordering an immediate halt to illegal constructions and encroachments.

Advocate Kashif Ali Malik had filed the petition. The petitioner argued that the public park, designated as a green area, was being converted into a commercial space in violation of land use regulations. The petitioners further alleged that armed men entered the park with heavy machinery, demolishing swings and other recreational structures, causing distress to the local community.

“The green area or a public park cannot be turned into a commercial area,” Advocate Kashif Ali Malik stated in court. He emphasised that the illegal constructions had severely impacted the residents’ rights, adding that a senior judge of the Lahore High Court was also among those affected.

Despite repeated complaints to the CDA, the encroachments remained unaddressed.

The petitioners claimed that notices had been issued to the occupiers, yet no significant action was taken, leading to further deterioration of law and order in the area. The CDA informed the IHC on Thursday that “the Park has been restored to its original condition.” Further hearing has been adjourned till April 9, 2025.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2025