Islamabad Cracks Down: Eviction Notices Served to Malpur's "Katchi Abadis"

ISLAMABAD: In a major anti-encroachment drive, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has issued a final warning to residents of several unauthorized settlements in the Malpur village area, directing them to vacate their homes within 72 hours.

The notices, served on Monday, target what the authority describes as "Katchi Abadis" (informal settlements) that have been illegally established on state land. This action is part of a broader campaign to reclaim government property and enforce master planning regulations in the federal capital.

Scale of the Operation

The eviction drive focuses on a significant portion of Malpur, with the CDA identifying multiple residential pockets that have sprung up without authorization. According to the issued notices, these settlements are situated on land that is legally owned by the CDA and the Pakistan government. The authority has made it clear that after the expiry of the 72-hour deadline, it will initiate a "grand operation" to clear the area, with the assistance of law enforcement agencies if necessary.

Relocation and Government Policy

In a key detail, the CDA notice clarifies that this operation is specifically targeting settlements built on state land. It distinguishes these from "Katchi Abadis" that have emerged on private land, which the CDA states will be reviewed for potential regularization under the federal government's existing policies.

This suggests a two-pronged approach: a firm crackdown on encroachments of public property while leaving the door open for a structured solution for eligible settlements on private land, in line with official protocols.

Justification and Next Steps

The CDA has justified the action as a necessary step to uphold the law and protect state assets from illegal occupation. The authority has warned that all structures, including houses and boundary walls built on the designated state land, will be demolished in the coming operation.

The move has placed hundreds of families in a state of uncertainty, with a tight three-day window to arrange for their relocation. The impending "grand operation" signals the CDA's intent to proceed with the evictions decisively, marking a significant escalation in the authority's efforts to curb urban sprawl and reclaim control of its land.