Chaudhry argued that religious teachings emphasised keeping public pathways open rather than obstructing them.

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Saturday said the anti-encroachment campaign in Islamabad would continue without discrimination, questioning the legality of a security cabin and generator installed at the residence of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Chaudhry described the defence of alleged illegal constructions as inappropriate, saying the campaign was being carried out against encroachments regardless of the political influence or status of property owners.

His remarks came a day after the Capital Development Authority (CDA) issued a notice to Fazlur Rehman’s residence, identifying alleged illegal constructions and encroachments on government land and directing their removal within 15 days.

The development followed an exchange of criticism between the government and Fazl, who had accused the government of misusing the Constitution. Federal ministers subsequently criticised the JUI-F chief over his political role.

Talal Questions Legality of Security Cabin, Generator

Speaking in a televised address, Chaudhry said the anti-encroachment campaign had been underway for more than 18 months and notices had been issued across Islamabad.

He said the notice concerning Fazlur Rehman’s residence had been issued as part of routine enforcement and allowed 15 days for the removal of a four-by-four-foot security cabin.

The minister described the structure as a cage-like enclosure used by a security guard and questioned why it had been built on a green belt or an area reserved for the property.

He also raised questions about the placement of a generator, asking whether it was lawful to keep such equipment on government land or in a passage used by the public.

Chaudhry said the residence was located in an upscale area of the capital where other property owners had also received and complied with similar notices.

He questioned why the constructions had not been approved by the relevant authorities, adding that no notices had been issued against structures built legally.

The minister rejected claims that Fazlur Rehman was being specifically targeted, saying enforcement action had been taken against people regardless of their financial or political status.

Minister Cites Action Against Government and Private Properties

Chaudhry said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had personally overseen the demolition of a police station built partly on government land and a green belt.

He added that the Frontier Constabulary had vacated a park it had occupied for several decades, allowing the area to be developed as a public park.

The minister also referred to the removal of boundary walls extending beyond property limits at five-star hotels and other major buildings.

He said illegal petrol pumps, marriage halls and other structures along the Expressway had also been removed, while property behind the Prime Minister’s House had been vacated.

Referring to Sector E-11, Chaudhry said an operation conducted around two months earlier had removed illegal occupants from plots and restored possession to their allottees.

He maintained that the campaign had also targeted unauthorised security cabins, generators and constructions belonging to diplomats, bureaucrats and businessmen in Islamabad’s upscale neighbourhoods.

Chaudhry Calls on Fazl to Address Allegations

The minister urged Fazlur Rehman to respond to questions about the alleged encroachments, referring to demolitions of illegal structures on roads, parks and government land in Peshawar.

He also questioned whether a building named after Fazlur Rehman’s father had unlawfully blocked a passage used by the public.

Chaudhry argued that religious teachings emphasised keeping public pathways open rather than obstructing them.

He said political leaders had greater responsibilities than ordinary citizens and that those holding both political and religious positions had an even greater obligation to follow the law.

The minister also accused Fazlur Rehman of making personal attacks against Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi instead of responding to questions raised by the government.

He criticised what he described as inappropriate remarks about religious and national matters, including comments concerning martyrs.

Chaudhry said the state had shown considerable flexibility and urged the JUI-F chief to remove any alleged encroachments from roads, parks and green belts.

Concluding his address, the minister reiterated that the campaign would continue regardless of who owned the property, asking Fazlur Rehman to clarify whether placing generators on roads and constructing security rooms on green belts was lawful.