In Islamabad, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) sealed the central secretariat of Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and demolished illegal constructions, while PTI leader Aamir Mughal was arrested and taken to an undisclosed location.
The CDA team, accompanied by a heavy police contingent, conducted the operation to remove the illegal constructions and encroachments at the PTI central secretariat, subsequently sealing the office. According to CDA officials, the building violated by-laws, including the addition of an unauthorized floor.
As news of the sealing spread, PTI leaders, including the chairman, arrived at the central office. The plot, allocated to a person named Sartaj Ali, had been encroached upon. Authorities stated that multiple violations had been committed by the plot owner, who had received several warnings and notices. The first notice was issued on November 19, 2020, followed by a second on February 22, 2021, another on June 14, 2022, and a show-cause notice on September 4, 2023, for failing to address the violations. Orders to seal the plot were issued on May 10, 2024, due to non-compliance and failure to remove the encroachments.
The CDA spokesperson emphasized that the campaign to eliminate encroachments and illegal constructions would continue throughout the city without discrimination. PTI General Secretary Umar Ayub, speaking to the media, claimed that Aamir Mughal was suddenly arrested and taken away in a white car to an unknown location. Ayub questioned the nighttime operation, comparing it to the Israeli forces’ actions in Gaza, and criticized the government for not allowing PTI to present their documents or discuss the matter peacefully. He asserted that the government was targeting PTI because Imran Khan advocated for the supremacy of the constitution and true freedom in Pakistan. Ayub condemned the action, vowing to raise the issue in the National Assembly and summon the IG to the Privileges Committee for answers.
