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Express Tribune
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
IHC orders abolition of CDA
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Saturday ordered the federal government to dissolve the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and transfer all its powers and assets to the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI). In a detailed verdict, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani ruled that the CDA has no legal authority to impose taxes. The court further declared that any amount collected by the Authority from individuals or institutions under the guise of "Right of Way" or direct access charges must be refunded. The federal government was instructed to initiate and complete the process of dissolving the CDA and transfer all its powers and assets to the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI). The judgment emphasised that the rights of Islamabad's citizens must be protected under the law. The ruling was issued in response to a petition filed by Taj Residencia Housing Society and its residents. The court also declared SRO dated June 9, 2015 — regarding CDA's right-of-way and access charges — null and void, along with all actions taken under it, labeling them as illegal. Any funds collected under this SRO must be returned. Justice Kayani noted that the CDA Ordinance was originally enacted to establish the federal capital and oversee its development, but due to evolving governance structures and new laws, its practical relevance has ended. The original objectives of the CDA have been fulfilled, and it is now appropriate for the government to formally dissolve the authority. The court also directed that following the transfer of powers, the Islamabad administration must operate in a transparent and accountable manner. The judgment reaffirmed that Islamabad's entire administrative, regulatory, and municipal framework is governed by the Local Government Act, which mandates that no tax could be imposed without the approval of the elected local government. Therefore, CDA lacks any legal authority to levy taxes. It is worth noting that CDA had imposed right-of-access charges on petrol pumps and CNG stations, and direct access taxes on private housing societies for connecting to main roads. These charges were challenged in the IHC, resulting in this significant decision. Rains prompt monsoon action On the other hand, the CDA has finalised a special action plan for the monsoon season and issued a notification outlining the responsibilities of all relevant departments to ensure effective implementation. On the instructions of CDA Chairman, Member Administration Talat Mehmood has been assigned to oversee the plan. According to the notification, special teams will be deployed following a survey of illegal basements and low-lying areas. Flood relief camps and other safety measures will be established to handle any emergency situations. A Flood Relief Cell will remain operational from July 1 to September 30, headed by the Director of Emergency and Disaster Management. A dedicated helpline will also be set up, and assistance will be available via rescue and fire brigade services. Heads of relevant departments will appoint focal persons at the relief camps. The sanitation department will operate under the authority of the relief camps. A special operation will be launched against makeshift houses and illegal constructions.
Express Tribune
18-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Residents protest cattle market in I-12
People attend a rally in support of federal workers outside the 26 Federal Plaza, a federal office building in New York City, U.S., March 25, 2025. PHOTO:REUTERS lot allottees have shown their serious concerns after the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) announced an open auction to set up a temporary cattle market in Sector I-12 for 13 days on the eve of Eidul Azha. The auction is scheduled for May 20, as per a notice published in various newspapers, and will permit the establishment of a sacrificial animal market in the area, potentially impacting the ongoing infrastructural development work in sector I-12. Khumar Gul, one of the concerned allottees, expressed his worries, saying, "Establishing a cattle market in a sector still under development is a risky decision. Heavy trucks, large numbers of animals, and crowds of traders and buyers can put immense pressure on the newly laid sewerage lines and constructed roads, potentially causing months of setbacks in the ongoing work." Sector I-12, which has been under slow-paced development for decades, is currently witnessing important infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of sewerage lines, road construction, and other essential utilities. Allottees, who have long awaited possession of their plots, fear that the influx of livestock, heavy vehicles, and increased foot traffic could damage the fragile infrastructure, further delaying their long-cherished plans to build homes. Another allottee, Muhammad Tabraiz, said that the cattle market could worsen the delays already faced by allottees. "We have been waiting for decades to receive possession of our plots. The development process is already moving at a snail's pace. Bringing in thousands of animals and traders will only worsen the situation, causing unnecessary delays and additional repair costs," he said.
