## PTI Central Secretariat Sealed in Islamabad
CDA Seals Building Due to Non-Conforming Use and Illegal Construction
By Our Correspondents
May 24, 2024
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) sealed the Central Secretariat of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on late Thursday night in the presence of Islamabad Police.
Building Sealed for Illegal Construction
The CDA Building Control Directorate sealed House No 1-A, Street 32 of Sector G-8/4, where the PTI Central Secretariat was established. The building was sealed due to non-conforming use and the illegal construction of an additional floor.
CDA Issues Notices and Show Cause Notice
CDA sources revealed that the building owner had been served with notices on November 19, 2020, February 22, 2021, and June 14, 2022. A show cause notice was also issued on September 4, 2023. Additionally, an operation was conducted to vacate illegally occupied land adjacent to the secretariat. The operation utilized heavy machinery to demolish and remove illegally placed containers by the PTI.
PTI Calls on Workers, Police Arrest Activists
As the operation commenced, PTI called upon its workers to arrive at the secretariat immediately. Islamabad Police responded by arresting dozens of PTI leaders and activists, including Islamabad Chapter party president Amir Masood Mughal.
The police reported that the party activists resisted the CDA operation with force and engaged in scuffles with officers. The arrested individuals were subsequently transported to Aabpara Police Station.
PTI Chairman and Secretary-General Condemn Action
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan expressed that the party did not receive any prior orders from the CDA. PTI Secretary-General Omar Ayub strongly condemned the late-night action, stating that the party would raise the issue in the assembly.
Ayub drew parallels between the operation and the Israeli onslaught on Gaza, highlighting the loss of life and the use of hunger as a weapon. He criticized the city administration for launching the operation without prior notice.