The Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered the de-sealing of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in the federal capital on Thursday, just two days after the Capital Development Authority (CDA) had sealed it.
IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq issued the ruling during a hearing on a petition from the KP government. He reminded the CDA’s lawyer that while the authority is entitled to issue sealing notices under the law, it should not give the impression of targeting anyone specifically. The CDA’s lawyer contended that illegal construction had taken place on the property and that certain dues were still outstanding, referencing a notice sent to the KP administration in 2014. He also claimed that the lease had expired in 2014.
“When did the CDA issue notices?” Justice Farooq questioned, emphasizing that a notice should have been given prior to sealing the house. He remarked, “It is a provincial house. It is disgraceful to seal it.”
The KP government filed a petition the previous day, arguing that the CDA’s sealing of the provincial house was “illegal.” They noted that when they sought redress from the Peshawar High Court (PHC), they were directed to bring the matter to the IHC, identified as the proper forum.
The court was asked to declare the sealing and the confiscation of the KP government’s vehicles as “illegal” and to facilitate the reopening of the property.
The issue arose when the CDA sealed the provincial government’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House on Monday for violating building regulations. A notice posted on the main gate indicated that the premises had been sealed due to these infractions.
CDA records show that the first notice to the KP government was issued on April 5, 2014, demanding an end to illegal construction on the site. The CDA also sent notices in February and May of this year, requesting the KP government to renew the lease for the plot where the KP House is located in Sector F-5/2. The provincial government was supposed to apply for a No Objection Certificate for this, but did not do so.
