ISLAMABAD; Authorities have demolished over 200 illegal constructions and reclaimed 191 kanals of National Park land from land grabbers during a sweeping anti-encroachment operation in Saidpur Model Village Islamabad. Several long-occupied buildings, where rent had not been paid for years, were also vacated. The drive, covering 360 kanals of land encroached after 2005, is being carried out without discrimination.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the site to personally review the operation along with ongoing upgradation and beautification works. He directed Capital Development Authority (CDA) and District Municipal Administration (DMA) officials to ensure firm action against all illegal structures and instructed that vacated properties be auctioned transparently.
Naqvi praised CDA’s performance and said eliminating illegal constructions in Saidpur was a top priority. He announced that renowned restaurants from Karachi and Lahore would soon open in the village to boost its appeal, adding that the revival of Saidpur would enhance Islamabad’s beauty and offer citizens a new recreational spot.
The minister further stressed that all resources would be used to develop Saidpur into an international-standard tourist and commercial hub with modern facilities. He also instructed CDA and DMA officials to maintain cleanliness in and around the area.
During a briefing, CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa informed the minister that satellite imagery was being used to detect illegal post-2005 constructions, while efforts were also underway to restore the village’s green core area.
Senior CDA members, the Additional Deputy Commissioner General (ADCG), SSP Operations, and other officials were also present during the visit.
