ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday admitted a petition for regular hearing against the auction of 10 cricket and 10 football grounds in the federal capital, declaring the move subject to a final court decision.

Justice Raja Inaam Amin Minhas issued notices to the respondents while hearing a petition filed by former Chairman of Union Council of I-9 Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan.

The judge also linked the fate of upcoming auction with the final decision of the court.

The petitioner’s counsel, Advocate Adil Aziz Qazi, argued that the CDA has no legal authority to auction public playgrounds, which are meant for the use of ordinary citizens.

“The playgrounds are a public resource, and their auction for commercial gain threatens public access to vital recreational spaces,” Mr Qazi said, adding that the law designates the Metropolitan Corporation as the appropriate body for managing such facilities, not the CDA.

He warned that the proposed auctions could effectively block public access to cricket and football grounds, depriving citizens—particularly youth—of essential recreational opportunities.

In response, the court issued notices to the CDA and the Metropolitan Corporation, seeking their replies.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2025