A sweeping anti-encroachment drive by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in Islamabad has left a deep scar on one family, with a mother fighting for her life after the demolition of her home and shop. Nargis Bibi, 46, was cooking breakfast on April 14 when officials informed her that bulldozers would soon tear down her home and adjoining shop, the family's sole source of income. She collapsed in shock and has been unconscious in a hospital ever since.
Family's Ordeal
Bibi's son, Nauman Nisar, 19, recounted the moment: "She heard what they said and just collapsed. We rushed her to the hospital. We didn't even have time to take anything from the house." Her blood pressure surged, causing partial paralysis, and she is now being treated at Islamabad's Poly Clinic Hospital. By the time the family returned, their home and shop had been razed.
Widespread Impact
The demolition drive targets informal settlements called "katchi abadis" in areas like Bari Imam, located at the foot of the Margalla Hills. In January, authorities demolished Muslim Colony near the Prime Minister's House and Diplomatic Enclave, and the campaign has since expanded to Saidpur village and Christian-majority colonies. Rights groups criticize the evictions for lacking adequate notice, legal safeguards, or resettlement plans.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as heavy machinery tore through homes. Arab News observed tractors clearing debris in Bari Imam, where Bibi's house is now only dust and rubble.
Legal Controversy
Rights activist Alia Amirali noted that forced evictions of informal settlements have been contested in courts, citing a 2015 Supreme Court stay order against summary evictions by the CDA. "Eviction drives carried out since then were in contravention of the Supreme Court's stay order," she said. However, Dr. Anam Fatima of the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation defended the actions, stating that the land belongs to the CDA and occupants are trespassers. She claimed prior notices were issued and time given to relocate.
Residents' Plight
Nisar Ahmed, Bibi's husband, expressed despair: "The government forcibly evicted us. I have lost my business, my house, my wife has also fallen sick. My children are worried, I am worried. Who do I plead to?" Residents who lived in Bari Imam for decades say the measures did not address their situation. Clashes erupted last month when residents tried to block demolitions, prompting police to fire tear gas.
Ahmed said officials gave a month's notice after the protest, then returned to demolish homes. The family now faces an uncertain future, with their home and livelihood destroyed and a mother fighting for her life.
