March 14, 2026
By Hafiz ullah Storai Sherani
ISLAMABAD
Hundreds fo families who are living in informal settlements in the capital city, are once again facing the threat of eviction as reports of a possible operation and notices have been issued to the residents, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in several other settlements across the city as well.
One of the affected areas is Allama Iqbal Colony in G-7, where a large number of Christian families are living. Residents say they have been living there for years, but sudden fears of eviction
have left their lives uncertain.
Community leader Saif Mitho questioned the move, saying residents feel they are being unfairly targeted.
“Our only question is: what is our fault that the roof over our heads is being taken away? Why are we being sacrificed? If the prayers of our children turn into curses, nothing good will come
of it for anyone.”
Residents say that in recent days, marks have been placed on several houses in the area, while the arrival of heavy machinery has intensified fears of an imminent operation.
Many families say they are worried about where they will go if their homes are demolished.
Affected resident Siddique Jan described the anxiety gripping families. “Our fear is simple: where will we go? We have small children,” he says. “Ever since this situation began, everyone in the
house is worried. The children cannot sleep at night. When the machines were brought here and our houses were marked, it felt like a death sentence for us.”
Similar concerns are also being voiced in Rimsha Colony in H-9/2, where several families say they are living with the same uncertainty.
One affected woman said her family had invested their life savings to build their home. “We spent all our savings for our children to build this house. If we are forced to leave, where will
we go? We have nowhere else to live.”
CDA operations across Islamabad
In recent weeks, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has carried out operations in different parts of Islamabad against what it describes as illegal constructions and encroachments.
During these operations, shops, garages and other structures were demolished in several locations. Officials say that in some areas land is also being cleared for road expansion and urban development projects.
According to the CDA, these actions are being taken in line with the city’s constitutional master plan to ensure development and protect government land.
Human rights concerns raised
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has also expressed concern over the possible evictions. According to the commission, some informal settlements in Islamabad have existed for decades and are home to thousands of people, many of whom belong to the Christian community.
HRCP says that before any eviction takes place, affected residents must be given proper notice, consultation and alternative housing.
HRCP representative Nasreen Azhar criticized the approach. “Islamabad has always been a city of the wealthy, but it is these poor people who have helped keep the city running. The cleanliness of this city is due to their hard work. They cannot simply be removed like this. Proper notice and sufficient time must be given. Giving people only a few days’ notice to leave their homes is not humane. It is a wrong policy and it is unjust. We oppose it.”
Social activists have also called for clear planning before any action is taken.
Tariq Mahmood Ghouri, a social activist and coordinator with the National Commission for Justice and Peace, a Catholic Church institution, said the situation is deeply concerning, especially with Eid approaching.
“We are all very concerned about this. These are among the poorest people. Eid is just a few days away, imagine how they are living under this fear. Our rulers are buying big airplanes while the poor are losing the roofs over their heads. Sometimes cases of blasphemy are filed against them, sometimes accusations of religious conversion. Our demand is that these people should be allotted proper plots and houses so they can become the legal owners of their homes and not face this threat again in a few years.”
CDA stance
In a written statement, the CDA said that operations in the city are being carried out according to the law against illegal occupations and encroachments on government land.
The authority said it is responsible for maintaining urban planning in accordance with Supreme Court orders and relevant laws.
Recently, the CDA board also approved the Urban Regeneration and Regulations 2025 related to informal settlements in Islamabad.
According to the authority, the policy aims to regulate recognized informal settlements and provide them with basic facilities. The CDA said that only those residents will be considered eligible who were found living in these settlements during a survey conducted on December 31, 2002.
The issue of Islamabad’s informal settlements has once again raised questions about balancing urban development with human rights.
While affected families are demanding protection of their homes, authorities say urban planning and the protection of public land are necessary.
For thousands of families now living under uncertainty, the key question remains whether a solution can be found that allows development while also protecting human dignity.