The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has halted CDA from demolishing houses built in Ghauri Town Phase 7.
The court has granted temporary relief to thousands of residents.
The court issued a stay order on demolition notices served by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), preventing any immediate action.
Petition challenges demolition notices
The order was passed by Justice Muhammad Azam Khan while hearing a petition filed by Advocate Mohammad Asif Gujar.
According to the petition, the CDA had issued demolition notices on February 24.
The petitioner argued that the move caused distress to around 20,000 residents, particularly as it came during the month of Ramadan.
The court has also issued notices to the CDA and other parties, asking them to respond in the case.
As part of the interim relief, the court directed that no adverse action should be taken against the petitioner or residents until further proceedings.
This means that demolition of houses in Ghauri Town Phase 7 will remain on hold for now.
Call for regularisation
The petition also requested that the area be regularised, referring to a previous ruling related to the Bani Gala case.
Lawyers argued that the earlier judgment could be relevant in deciding the status of the settlement.
The case comes amid wider concerns over housing schemes in Islamabad, where authorities have taken action against what they describe as unauthorised constructions.
The court’s decision has temporarily halted such action in this area, with the matter expected to be taken up again at the next hearing.
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